Minnesota Lynx faced a tough challenge on Sunday night as they hosted the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals at Target Center. The matchup, which featured the second-seeded Lynx against the third-seeded Sun, ended in a narrow loss for Minnesota, with a final score of 73-70.
The Lynx, known for their exceptional passing skills and three-point shooting prowess, struggled to maintain their rhythm throughout the game. Despite their ranking as the league’s best three-point shooting team, they managed only 5-for-20 from beyond the arc, a statistic that proved crucial as the game progressed.
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota was outscored 16-8, making just four of their 18 shot attempts. This slump allowed the Sun to capitalize and ultimately secure the victory. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities, stating, “We had open shots that we missed. There was a little bit of that. We had opportunities where we were open.”
Bridget Carleton was one of the standout performers for the Lynx, hitting three of six three-point attempts and finishing the game with 17 points. However, the rest of the team struggled significantly from long range, converting only 2 of 14 attempts. Napheesa Collier also had a solid outing, contributing 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Yet, she faced relentless pressure from the Connecticut defense, which effectively neutralized her scoring opportunities.
Both teams entered the game with a reputation for strong defensive play, making it a battle of wills. The contest saw a total of 10 lead changes and seven ties, showcasing the competitive spirit on display. Both teams struggled with their shooting percentages, finishing under 42% for the game. Despite being down by four points at halftime, the Lynx came out strong in the third quarter, flipping the deficit into a five-point lead going into the final period.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter as Minnesota’s shots continued to miss the mark. Coach Reeve noted the impact of the cold shooting on their overall performance, stating, “Our offense put a lot of pressure on our defense.” This pressure ultimately led to a challenging situation for the Lynx, who were unable to recover from their late-game struggles.
As the series progresses, the Lynx will need to regroup and refocus ahead of Game 2, which is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at Target Center. The team will look to build on their strengths while addressing the issues that led to their defeat in Game 1. With the support of their fans and a commitment to improving their offensive execution, the Lynx remain hopeful for a turnaround in the upcoming matchup.
