The Connecticut Sun have wrested home-court advantage from the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA semifinals. But going up 2-0 won't be easy.
The Sun earned a narrow 73-70 win over the Lynx in Game 1 on Sunday, limiting Minnesota superstar Napheesa Collier to 19 points on 7 of 16 shooting and getting a 20-point effort from midseason pickup Marina Mabrey.
Game 2 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday night in Minnesota, and the Lynx -- who haven't lost back-to-back games since mid-July -- almost certainly will make adjustments. So, what does Connecticut need to do to emerge with the victory?
NBC Connecticut sports reporter Gabby Lucivero joined NBC Boston's Hannah Donnelly on the latest On Her Mark podcast to share her three keys to a Sun victory in Game 2. Lucivero's first key? Get DeWanna Bonner going offensively.
"I do think Bonner needs to have a better shooting night," Lucivero told Donnelly. "I think DB would say she needs to have a better shooting night. Because we're going see to Minnesota step it up. (Collier) is going to be looking at that box score going, 'That's not acceptable for me.' So, we're gonna see those two things get ratcheted up."
Bonner scored just 10 points on 4 of 17 shooting (2 of 8 from 3-point range) in Game 1, but Connecticut's strong defense helped power the victory. Lucivero's second key revolved around slowing down Collier, who scored a whopping 80 points combined in the Lynx's 2-0 sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in Round 1.
"I think that they need to figure out a way to be able to take (Collier) out of the game without needing necessarily a four-player rotation," Lucivero said. "So, No. 2 is, what's the solution for (Collier) knowing she's going to be coming in expecting to play better than she did in Game 1?"
Lucivero's third key focused on Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, who recently was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player. Alyssa Thomas, Bonner and Mabrey are Connecticut's three most potent offensive players, so if Carrington -- who scored 13 points in Game 1 -- can make significant contributions on that end, that's a major X-factor for the Sun.
"I'm gonna take Alyssa Thomas out of the keys to the game because Alyssa Thomas is the key to the game," Lucivero said. "So, I wanna see more -- it feels wrong to say 'more' from DiJonai Carrington, because she has done everything -- but we haven't really talked about her that much in this, and she has been such a huge piece of why the Sun are here and I've loved her trajectory."
"... Key three is more new-look DiJonai. Just more of it. I think she played great in Game 1 -- now just give us more."
Sun-Lynx Series: Where the Action Lies
The Sun-Lynx series offers a stark contrast to the Aces-Liberty matchup. While both series feature top-tier talent, the Sun-Lynx series is captivating for its sheer intensity and raw basketball acumen. Unlike the Aces-Liberty series, which boasts off-court drama and star power, the Sun-Lynx series is defined by its on-court battle. The drama unfolds between the lines, with each team's defensive prowess pushing the other to their limits.
Game 1: A Dagger in the Heart of the Lynx
The Sun emerged victorious in Game 1 with a narrow 73-70 win. The game was a testament to the intensity and strategic chess match that defines the series. It was a game that could have gone either way, with both teams trading punches in a nail-biting finish. The final dagger came in the form of a clutch shot by Alyssa Thomas, a player who has become synonymous with grit and determination. Thomas, who is playing with torn labrums in both shoulders, managed to power through the Lynx's defense and secure the win for the Sun. This game wasn't about style, it was about will. Each possession was a battle, with neither team willing to yield an inch.
Game 2: Can the Lynx Bounce Back?
The Lynx are in a difficult position. They have to find a way to neutralize the Sun's defense and get Collier going offensively. In Game 1, Collier was a force, but her efficiency was hampered by the Sun's tenacious defensive scheme. The Lynx need Collier to regain her offensive form if they want to even the series and take control of the series at home.
The Road Ahead: A Battle of Defense
The series is poised to be a thrilling back-and-forth affair. The Sun and Lynx are two of the best defensive teams in the league, and their games are often decided by a few possessions. With the series tied 1-1, the stakes are high. The Sun will be looking to build on their momentum from Game 1, while the Lynx will be seeking to regain home-court advantage. Both teams have the talent and the determination to win the series, so it's sure to be a captivating battle of wills.
This series is a testament to the incredible talent and tenacity of the WNBA. It's a must-watch for any basketball fan, and it's a reminder that the playoffs are all about the unexpected. The Sun and Lynx have already delivered two thrilling games, and it's only a matter of time before they add another chapter to this epic series.
What's Next?
The series heads back to Minnesota for Game 3, with the Lynx hoping to even the series at 2-2. Both teams will be looking to assert their dominance and secure a crucial victory. With both teams having the potential to dominate, the WNBA playoffs are shaping up to be an unforgettable season. Stay tuned for the next game and see which team will emerge victorious. The future of the 2024 season is waiting to be written!
