MINNEAPOLIS — Basketball may be a game of runs, but when it comes to Connecticut versus Minnesota, it’s a game of inches. Throughout this season, no two WNBA teams have been as evenly matched as these two. The recent example of this was Connecticut’s nail-biting 73-70 victory over Minnesota in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals.
This matchup is what every basketball fan hopes to see in the playoffs. The intensity and closeness of the games make every possession crucial, with every decision potentially being the game-changer.
From Marina Mabrey’s 3-pointer to Bridget Carleton’s clutch shot, and Alyssa Thomas’ crucial play, every moment in this game felt monumental. The series is so evenly matched that every single point matters, making it reminiscent of the excitement in a photo finish of a race.
THE ENGINE 🔥#BringTheHeat pic.twitter.com/6yDNLosIX8
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 30, 2024
The three regular-season meetings between Connecticut and Minnesota were decided by a total of just eight points. As the teams battled in the fourth quarter of Game 1 at Target Center, Minnesota had outscored Connecticut by only one point throughout their matchups this season.
Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas, who nearly achieved a triple-double, played a significant role in the Sun’s win. Her focus and determination on every possession proved vital in a game where every play could make a difference.
Minnesota’s coach Cheryl Reeve understands Thomas’ impact and how she can turn the tide of a game. Reeve recognized this when she brought Thomas back into the player pool for the Olympics after a long absence.
In Game 1, Thomas battled against her Olympic teammate Napheesa Collier, limiting her to 19 points and 9 rebounds. While those are impressive numbers, Collier knows she missed key shots and opportunities that could have made the difference in such a closely contested game.
Reeve and the Lynx are gearing up for a tough series against Connecticut, knowing it will be a relentless battle. The back-and-forth nature of the game, with 13 lead changes, is what both teams expected in this matchup.
Both teams have room for improvement when they review the game footage, but the margin for error is slim due to the defensive prowess of both sides.
“The further you go in the playoffs, the harder it gets,” Reeve said. “Now it’s two teams just going back and forth, not making anything easy. And then it’s just about players finding a way to make a play.”
WATCH YA HEAD, T’S COMING. 🫣 pic.twitter.com/LwPw9Nu1zf
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 30, 2024
Both rosters are filled with players who thrive in pressure situations and can make crucial plays when it matters most. While they may not have the same star power as other teams, the players on both sides have earned their spots through hard work and seizing opportunities.
As the series continues, we can expect more intense battles and tightly contested games between Connecticut and Minnesota. This is the kind of competition and drama that epitomizes the WNBA playoffs.
“It’s a long series,” Carleton said. “It’s a five-game series for a reason.”
(Photo of Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas: David Berding / Getty Images)
