For the first time since the start of the playoffs, a team won away from home, and it was the Sun. Winner of the Fever in the first round, Connecticut takes control of the series against the Lynx with a victory (73-70) at the Target Center. Best defense in the WNBA, the Sun limits Napheesa Collier's teammates to 41% on shots, and 25% on 3-pointers. In the 4th quarter, the Lynx only scored 8 points on 4 out of 18 shots.
“That’s how our group behaves… It’s a team and a franchise that focuses on defense” recalls coach Stephanie White. “We have to be disruptive and try to force them to take uncomfortable shots. »
Collier misses equalizer
In the first round, the Lynx reached the 100-point mark in both games and Collier averaged 40 points. This time, the best defense in the WNBA is limited to 19 points on 7 of 16 shots with 4 lost balls. However, it was she who brought hers to a small point (71-70) 34 seconds from the end. But after a basket on the free throw line from Alyssa Thomas (17 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists), it is also Collier who will miss the 3-point equalizer at the siren. Well defended, she sends a brick onto the board.
“We had a few options planned, and not necessarily for Napheesa” explained Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx technician, voted best coach of the year. “The planned options weren't available, and at that point we just tried to shoot 3-pointers. »
Alongside Thomas, Marina Mabrey finished as the match's top scorer with 20 points at 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Alongside them, Dijonai Carrington compiled 12 points and 9 rebounds. For the Lynx, Bridget Carleton scored 17 points. “All season, we have had physical opposition. Every game was decided in the 4th quarter, and we expect no less in this series. Face to face, these are the two best defenses in the championship” concludes Alyssa Thomas.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
