Uncasville, CT (May 23, 2023) – In an intense showdown between two undefeated teams, the Connecticut Sun get the gritty win over the Minnesota Lynx in an 83-82 overtime thriller at Mohegan Sun Arena. This highly anticipated game, dubbed the battle of the undefeated, saw dramatic shifts in momentum and kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout. Both teams entered the game with high expectations, buoyed by their respective MVPs and players of the week: Alyssa Thomas for the Connecticut Sun and Napheesa Collier for the Minnesota Lynx. Each player delivered standout performances that and hit and some tough buckets.
DeWanna Bonner was a standout for the Sun, recording her fourth game of the season with over 20 points. She finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Bonner’s composure under pressure was evident as she sank two critical free throws with 7.4 seconds remaining, clinching the victory for Connecticut. Brionna Jones added 19 points, along with six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 27 minutes as she works her way back. Alyssa Thomas also contributed significantly with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with a season-high 31 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. Former Sun guard Courtney Williams supported with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
The Lynx opened the game with a strong 12-4 run, prompting an early timeout from the Sun. Minnesota maintained their lead, ending the quarter ahead 23-14. They shot an impressive 62.5% from the field, compared to Connecticut’s 35.7%.
Connecticut responded with an 8-0 run, reducing Minnesota’s lead to one point. Brionna Jones scored seven of the Sun’s points during this stretch. The Sun continued to perform well, taking a 33-26 lead. However, the Lynx closed the half with a 9-4 run, leaving the Sun ahead 37-35 at halftime. Jones led Connecticut with 11 points at the break.
The third quarter was evenly matched, with both teams scoring 11 points initially. The Sun maintained a narrow two-point lead until the Lynx outscored them 6-4 towards the end, bringing the score to 52-51 in favor of Connecticut entering the fourth quarter. Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with five points in the period. The final quarter was a battle. The Sun extended their lead to 61-55, but the Lynx countered with an 8-2 run to tie the game at 63-63. The teams exchanged baskets, with the game tied at 70-70 with 32.1 seconds remaining. Thomas then scored to give the Sun a 72-70 lead, but Collier tied it up again, sending the game into overtime.
The Lynx started overtime strongly, taking a 79-74 lead. However, the Sun responded with a 5-0 run, tying the game at 79-79. Collier was fouled and made one of two free throws, putting the Lynx ahead by one. Both teams scored again, leaving the Sun down by one with 13.6 seconds left. Bonner’s drive drew a foul on Collier, and she made both free throws to put Connecticut ahead 83-82. A last-second shot by Minnesota’s Kayla McBride missed, ensuring the Sun’s victory.
With this win, Connecticut is the sole undefeated team in the WNBA, demonstrating their resilience and skill in a game and that is exactly how Brionna Jones described her team’s grit to win in post-game. The Sun’s next match up is the Chicago Sky Saturday at 8pm.
