In what may have been the most exciting game for the Lynx in the 2024 season, two standout things happened. First: after DeWanna Bonner‘s layup to give the Connecticut Sun a 76-75 lead, Minnesota called a reset timeout with 8.1 seconds left. Bridget Carleton inbounded that ball to Napheesa Collier, who was immediately swarmed by the Sun defense.
She then kicked the ball out to Carleton, who hit what might have been her most meaningful shot of the season and sank a 34′ three-pointer to put the Lynx up 78-76—Sun timeout. Second: with 3.1 seconds left, Bonner, after a reset timeout, inbounds the ball but throws it out of bounds. The Lynx won 78-76, sealing 2nd place in the standings and finally getting a win over Connecticut.
This was a great game. A great game. The Lynx were up by 5 at the half and then 11 after the third quarter. But the Sun began to creep back in as the Lynx had some cold shooting moments. With 2:25 left, DiJonai Carrington hit a two-pointer to tie the game at 69-69. From there to the Carelton three, we were treated to two teams going back and forth in an almost flawless effort to secure the win. A big shot, a bad pass, and that was that.
A Balanced Effort From The Lynx Against Connecticut
Offensively and defensively, this game was a complete team effort for the Lynx. Led by Collier’s 25 points, they showed why they are legitimate title contenders. The Sun, led by Alyssa Thomas‘s 18 points, seemed less than connected for the first three quarters. They did not have the cohesion to match Minnesota’s and stumbled here and there until the fourth quarter. They had finally found the juice to potentially win the game, but Minnesota was not going to throw in the towel.
Marina Mabrey is a much-needed addition to the Sun, as is Myisha Hines-Allen for Minnesota. Each played significant and productive minutes, with Mabrey scoring 13 points and going 3-8 from three. Hines-Allen added nine, going 4-6, and provided some strong defense. I am continually impressed with the caliber of Carrington’s game.
TURN US UP BC. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/sU1Q2OrRa1
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 18, 2024
An incredibly reliable and talented player deserves serious consideration for the most improved player, as does Carleton. In what is the best season of her career, she has proven to be an important part of the starting lineup for Minnesota. Mabrey becomes a free agent in 2026, but Hines-Allen will be a free agent after this season. The Lynx would be wise to retain her. Carrington will be a restricted free agent after this season, and it is unthinkable that Connecticut would not keep her.
So now Minnesota is locked in at No. 2 and will face the Phoenix Mercury in the first round. The Sun will most likely meet the Indiana Fever. I would say that the Lynx has the edge in moving on. Connecticut will certainly have its hands full with the Fever buzzsaw. But first, the Lynx face Los Angeles at Target Center for their final game, and the Sun will welcome the Chicago Sky to Mohegan Sun. With the No. 8 spot still undecided, it could be a rip-roaring Thursday night.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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