In a nail-biting contest, the Minnesota Lynx emerged victorious with an 82-75 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, setting the stage for an intense Game 3 in their first-round playoff series. Kayla McBride led the charge with an impressive 28-point performance, while Napheesa Collier contributed significantly with 26 points and 13 rebounds.
The Connecticut Sun, seeded third in the playoffs, had dominated Game 1 with a resounding 30-point victory over the Lynx. However, the Lynx bounced back with determination and forced a do-or-die scenario for both teams.
“We love our fanbase, and we do feel like that’s an advantage for us,” remarked Collier, emphasizing the importance of their supporters.
At halftime, the Lynx held a six-point lead, but they extended it to a commanding 16 points in the third quarter, fueled by a crucial 12-0 run. The highlight of this surge was Kayla McBride’s remarkable sixth three-pointer, followed by a layup that pushed the score to 65-49.
The Sun, showing their resilience, mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to 65-60. DeWanna Bonner’s three-pointer further cut the lead to 76-73 with just 2.5 minutes remaining, injecting a sense of urgency into the game. However, the Lynx demonstrated their defensive prowess, making crucial stops and scoring the next six points to secure the victory.
In a game marked by physicality, both teams experienced injury scares. DeWanna Bonner, who had contributed 18 points, suffered an elbow to the nose late in the third quarter when the Sun were trailing by five points. Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier faced her own injury setback earlier in the same quarter, briefly leaving the court while clutching her lower back.
The Connecticut Sun, aiming to advance to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive season, had an exceptional regular season, winning a team-record 27 games. This performance came as a surprise to many, as it was considered a rebuilding year under the guidance of first-year coach Stephanie White, who received the WNBA’s Coach of the Year honors.
Last season, the Sun, also seeded third, had to win a decisive Game 3 on the road against the Wings to secure their spot in the semifinals. This year’s playoff battle promises to be just as intense as the Sun look to overcome adversity and continue their postseason journey.
