Uncasville, CT (October 4, 2024) – The Connecticut Sun 28-12 lost Game 3 of the WNBA Semifinals to the Minnesota Lynx 30-10 in a 90-81 contest that puts them on the brink of elimination. The Sun now trail the best-of-five series, 1-2 and face a must-win Game 4 on Sunday to keep their championship hopes alive.
Brionna Jones led the way for the Sun with 21 points, four rebounds, and five assists, delivering her first double-digit outing of the 2024 postseason. She said post-game, she came into this game with a different mentality. She got to her spots and demanded the ball. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner made her mark with 16 points and eight rebounds. In doing so, she surpassed Candace Parker for second all-time in WNBA postseason scoring, with 1,159 points over a record 85 playoff appearances.
Marina Mabrey added 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists but struggled with her shot. She went just 6-for-20 from the field and 1-for-11 from beyond the arc, contributing to Connecticut’s offensive woes. Alyssa Thomas, with 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, but the team’s execution fell short in crucial moments. The Sun’s 41.1% shooting from the field (30-73) was dwarfed by the Lynx, who shot an impressive 57.4% (35-61)..
Minnesota was led by a dominant performance from Napheesa Collier, who recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Courtney Williams added 16 points and eight assists to propel the Lynx to a pivotal road win. Napheesa Collier said post-game “we know what were capable of and we have something special here”.
In the postgame press conference, Sun head coach Stephanie White admitted, “We got played, outcoached, and outexecuted. Our backs are against the wall.” Alyssa Thomas was equally candid, stating, “We didn’t come to compete.” Game 4 is now a win-or-go-home scenario for Connecticut, Sunday afternoon at 3pm and they must Bring the Heat.
