The Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun came into Mohegan Sun Arena Friday night looking to take advantage in their best-of-five-game series. The Lynx came away with the win in a somewhat more disciplined game from both teams. It wasn’t nearly as raucous as their previous matchup, less chippy, and much more productive from Napheesa Collier, who struggled in Game 2 but who showed her MVP-caliber talent in Game Three.
From the start, Minnesota looked much more in control and more focused than in Game 2. Neither team shot well from the arc, with Minnesota going 5-15 and the Sun 3-20. Marina Mabrey in particular went 1-11, scoring her only three late in the fourth quarter.
Every starter for the Sun was in double figures, but they only had 4 points off the bench, all from Veronica Burton. The Minnesota Lynx bench contributed 16 points, but both teams relied heavily on their starters. Brionna Jones, who has been struggling of late, stepped up and scored 21 points.
Neither team committed an abundance of turnovers, Minnesota had a slight edge in paint points, while the Sun out-rebounded Minnesota only by four, mostly due to second-chance points. The Lynx held Connecticut to 41.1% shooting while garnering an impressive 57.4%.
Minnesota Looked Together As A Team On The Road
From the start, Connecticut never really seemed as locked into the game as did Minnesota. There was simply a greater urgency coming from the Lynx. Their chemistry throughout the season has been a focal point of their success, something that has set them apart from a number of other teams. Minnesota is one of the more disciplined teams, and it shows, no matter the score or who is ahead. Even though the Sun starters did well, they fought for every point, as did the Lynx, but the difference was the level of focus.
THAT’S TWO. pic.twitter.com/RyHpecwOFx
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) October 5, 2024
The frustration from coach Stephanie White was evident as her team struggled to develop some sort of rhythm. Cheryl Reeve was in a far different position, watching her team execute with a smoothness and accuracy, and again, the chemistry. Even though the Sun took the fourth quarter by five points, it just wasn’t enough to overcome what was a very well-played game by Minnesota.
When Is The Next Matchup Between Both Teams?
The Sun will have a much different challenge on Sunday. They will be playing for a fifth game, a game back in Minnesota. The Lynx will be looking to close out the series, and while I’m sure the Minnesota fans would love to see the win at home, they’ll be happy to settle for a series win on the road. I doubt if either team is paying much attention to the series between New York and Las Vegas, who will now play a fourth game, with Las Vegas looking to keep the series going.
With an impressive win last night, the Aces may have found what they needed to get to Game Five. The Lynx did well against both the Liberty and the Aces, so getting through Connecticut will be their primary focus. Although past performance really has no meaning in the playoffs, it is something to keep in their back pocket. It all continues on Sunday. The excitement is thick, and we are in store for a couple of great games.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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