BROOKLYN (Interstat) — New York Liberty defeated the visiting Minnesota Lynx 87-71 on Tuesday at Barclays Center, seizing a 2-0 lead in Game 2 of their playoff series before an announced crowd of 17,593. New York led 23-16 after one quarter and 42-35 at halftime. The Liberty pulled away with a 26-point fourth quarter after leading 61-50 through three. Minnesota scored 21 in the final period but could not close the gap. Jonquel Jones led New York with 21 points and 13 rebounds, adding two assists and one block. Breanna Stewart also scored 21 points and contributed five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Courtney Williams paced Minnesota with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier each scored 14 points, while Nia Brodie added 10 points. Minnesota’s season record fell to 33-12, while New York improved to 28-18. The series continues at Minnesota.