Alyssa Thomas played a key role in helping the Connecticut Sun defeat the Minnesota Lynx 92-82 to force a decisive Game 5 in their semifinal series. Thomas recorded 18 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds during the game, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the court. The crucial win means that the series will now head to a final showdown on Tuesday night in Minnesota, with the victor advancing to face the Liberty in the WNBA Finals beginning Thursday in New York.
The Connecticut Sun, led by Ty Harris who scored 20 points in the game, are aiming to return to the WNBA Finals for the third time in six seasons. Despite Harris’ ankle injury earlier in the playoffs, she played a significant role in Sunday’s victory, contributing to the team’s success. The franchise is still chasing its first WNBA championship, making the upcoming Game 5 against the Lynx of utmost importance.
Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier put up a strong performance for the Minnesota Lynx, finishing with 29 points and 13 rebounds as she tried to lead her team to victory. Minnesota is vying to return to the Finals for the first time since their championship-winning season in 2017, when they secured their fourth title in seven years. However, the Lynx faltered in the face of Connecticut’s determined comeback in Game 4, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 5 matchup.
The Sun managed to overturn a seven-point halftime deficit through the efforts of Thomas and Harris, with the game tied at 61 before Connecticut surged ahead in the third quarter. Harris’ impactful 3-pointer later in the game extended their lead to 10 points, effectively thwarting any hopes of a Lynx victory on Sunday. Despite a valiant effort from Collier and her teammates, Minnesota was unable to bridge the gap in the final quarter.
In the first half, Collier’s strong performance helped the Lynx establish a lead, with Hiedeman also making key contributions for Minnesota. However, Connecticut’s resilience and determined play in the second half turned the tide in their favor, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the series. With both teams now gearing up for the ultimate showdown in Game 5, fans can expect an intense and closely contested battle to decide who will advance to the WNBA Finals.
