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Connecticut Sun vs Minnesota Lynx Player Stats and Box Scores for Sept. 30 | Game 1, 2024 WNBA Playoffs
The Connecticut Sun traveled to Minnesota and edged out the Lynx in a closely contested Game 1 on Sunday, striking first in their best-of-five series as their star players showcased their versatility.
The Lynx got off to a fast start with Bridget Carleton notching seven early points, while Napheesa Collier matched her with seven points of her own.
However, the Sun had multiple contributors, with Alyssa Thomas orchestrating the offense, and guards Marina Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington combining for 12 first-quarter points. The Sun’s balanced offense allowed them to take a 23-16 lead by the end of the period.
Connecticut came out strong to start the second quarter, as Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Alyssa Thomas made back-to-back shots, extending the advantage to 27-18.
The Lynx responded with a tough defensive effort, forcing turnovers and going on a run midway through the quarter. Hines-Allen dominated inside, while Carleton ignited the offense from the perimeter, sinking two 3-pointers to tie the game at 29-29.
Momentum swung toward Minnesota as they briefly took the lead, thanks to another Carleton 3-pointer and an Alanna Smith layup. The Sun, though, regained control with their defensive intensity.
Thomas displayed her playmaking, leading to quick field goals from Carrington and DeWanna Bonner. The back-and-forth first half ended with the Sun holding a slim 42-38 edge.
McBride kept up her scoring in the second half, tying the game at 44-44 with a jumper. In the final moments of the quarter, Myisha Hines-Allen's driving layup and a 3-pointer from Crystal Williams pushed the Lynx ahead 62-57.
The fourth quarter remained tight, with Collier and Carrington trading layups, and Bonner giving Connecticut a 69-66 lead with a running layup at the 4:45 mark.
As the quarter wound down, both teams struggled to score. Thomas stepped up anew for Connecticut, grabbing key rebounds and hitting a clutch layup with under a minute remaining, pushing the Sun's lead to 71-68.
Collier answered with another layup, bringing the Lynx within one at 71-70 with 33 seconds left, but Thomas iced the game for the Sun with a clutch 15-foot jumper, extending the lead to 73-70.
Minnesota had one last opportunity, but Collier's 3-point attempt at the buzzer missed, allowing the Sun to secure the victory. The Sun outscored the Lynx 16-8 in the fourth quarter.
Mabrey led all scorers with 20 points, including six 3-pointers. Alyssa Thomas nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while DeWanna Bonner added 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Carrington chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds, playing the entire game. Collier was held to 19 points, her lowest this playoffs so far, while Carleton scored 17 and McBride added 12.
Connecticut Sun vs Minnesota Lynx Player Stats and Box Scores
Connecticut Sun Player Stats and Box Scores
Minnesota Lynx Player Stats and Box Scores
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