WNBA Finals scores and live updates: Lynx take lead over Liberty early in Game 3 at Target Center

In the days leading up to Game 3, players and coaches from both teams have stressed the importance of getting off to a fast start.

“We really got caught in the first five minutes of Game 3,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said.

“We just have to come out, make that first punch and get off to a great start,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said.

The Liberty and Lynx were first and second, respectively, in first quarter net ratings during the regular season. But New York outscored Minnesota by 23 points in game two in the opening 10 minutes of this series.