It looked as though the Minnesota Lynx were going to be heading to the finals. That was until the third quarter. The Connecticut Sun came out after halftime with a vengeance. After being down seven at the half, the Sun went into overdrive and not only erased the deficit but outscored Minnesota 25-13 in the third and 24-19 in the fourth to force a Game 5.
Ty Harris and Alyssa Thomas led the charge for Connecticut, taking advantage of a less-than-effective Minnesota defense and some costly missed shots. Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton struggled from the field, combining for 4-17 including 3-13 from three.
The only Lynx players in double figures were Napheesa Collier with 29, Courtney Williams with 11, and Natisha Hiedeman off the bench with 16. Connecticut countered with 20 from Harris, 18 from both DeWanna Bonner and Thomas, DiJonai Carrington with 15, and Marina Mabrey off the bench with 10.
The 10-point win on Sunday was the largest margin of any game these teams have played. How this translates into Tuesday’s game at Target Center will most likely be an even more physical game. Each of these teams knows what the other can do, and while some adjustments will have to be made, it promises to be another gritty evening of basketball.
The Lynx and Sun Heading to a Fifth and Final Game
Each of these teams is hungry. Minnesota hasn’t been to the finals since 2017 when they won their last championship. The Sun has yet to win, although they’ve been to the well before and come up empty. For players like Bonner and Thomas, there will probably not be a lot more opportunities, although Bonner has won during her time at Phoenix.
back home on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/vOlwGwpLDb
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) October 6, 2024
Are we in for another street fight? Both teams have won an away game, so the home-court advantage probably won’t be a factor, although a full Target Center gets pretty loud. I’m not going to make any kind of prediction; these teams are both equipped to win. One thing is certain though; it won’t be dull in Minneapolis Tuesday night.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of sports.
