Minnesota Lynx Close In on WNBA Finals After Victory Over Connecticut Sun

The Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Connecticut Sun with a 90-81 victory in Game 3 of their WNBA semifinal series on Friday night, October 4, 2024. The game, held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, saw the Lynx taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, bringing them one win away from their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2017.

Leading the charge was forward Napheesa Collier, who scored a game-high 26 points. Collier’s tenacious play in the fourth quarter was pivotal, particularly during a stretch with just over three minutes remaining when a 14-point Lynx lead had been reduced to eight.

Collier received a pass from Alanna Smith out of a timeout, scoring quickly, and followed up by stealing the ball from Marina Mabrey from the opposition. Collier then assisted Smith on a three-pointer, helping secure the lead. “That is the epitome of how Phee played today,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “Complete game. She knew she’d score today. No one was more frustrated than Phee after the first two games.”

After struggling with shooting accuracy in the first two games, Collier showed significant improvement, making 11 of 19 shots. She also contributed 11 rebounds and three assists, demonstrating an all-round performance. “I think they were normal shots I usually make,” Collier commented, reflecting on her earlier performances. “In crunch time I had to be aggressive, especially in the paint at one end and in coverage on the other.”

The Lynx displayed offensive prowess, shooting 57.4% from the field, despite a 5-for-15 showing on three-pointers. Remarkably, they succeeded in making 30 of 46 two-point shots. This depth was evident as four of five starters scored in double figures, and their bench outperformed the Sun reserves 16-4.

The Connecticut Sun struggled, shooting 41.1%, and faced difficulties beyond the arc, making only three of 20 three-point attempts. Coach Stephanie White acknowledged the challenges, saying, “We got out-played, out-executed, out-coached.” Despite Alyssa Thomas contributing 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, and Brionna Jones scoring 21 points, the team could not match the Lynx’s pace.

The Lynx’s gameplay was characterized by resilience and trust among teammates, as noted by Courtney Williams, who complemented Collier’s efforts. “We have a way of knowing how to trust each other,” Williams expressed. “We keep doing what we do. We know we’re capable.”

Meanwhile, off the court, a report surfaced regarding Coach Reeve confronting Sun players over celebrations following their victory in Game 1. Both coaches played down the incident, attributing it to the competitive nature of the playoffs.