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The No. 2 Minnesota Lynx and No. 3 Connecticut Sun will kick off their best-of-five series in Minneapolis, with the victor moving on to the WNBA Finals. The Sun secured two wins out of three regular-season matchups against the Lynx earlier in the season.
May 23: Sun win 83-82 (OT) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
July 4: Sun win 78-73 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
September 17: Lynx win 78-76 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
Before the teams face off, we turn to our Winsidr reporters Jamauri Bowles and Mitchell Hansen to preview the series.
Series Schedule:
Game One: Target Center – 8:30 p.m. ET on September 29 (ESPN)Game Two: Target Center – TBD on October 1 (TBD)Game Three: Mohegan Sun Arena – 7:30 p.m. ET on October 4 (ESPN2)Game Four (if necessary): Mohegan Sun Arena – TBD on October 6 (TBD)Game Five (if necessary): Target Center – TBD on October 8 (ESPN2)
Matchups We Can’t Wait to Watch
Jamauri Bowles: After witnessing Napheesa Collier’s performance against the Phoenix Mercury, I’m intrigued to see how Connecticut will defend her. Collier scored 38 points in Game One and 42 points in Game Two against Phoenix, showing her offensive prowess. Will Connecticut employ double teams to stop her near the rim? Additionally, the defensive matchups with Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa will be crucial.
Collier had impressive numbers from the free-throw line against Phoenix, and Connecticut needs to contain her without fouling. Connecticut’s solid defense will be tested against Collier’s scoring ability.
Mitchell Hansen: The battle in the paint
Both teams boast strong offensive players, but the matchup in the paint between players like Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, Alyssa Thomas, and Brionna Jones will be a highlight of the series.
The battle between these players will be intense, as both teams will rely on their inside presence to dominate the game. Collier and Thomas, in particular, will be key players to watch in this matchup.
X-Factors
JB: Keep an eye on Connecticut’s three-point shooting, which will play a crucial role in the series. Players like DeWanna Bonner, Marina Mabrey, and Tyasha Harris will need to be sharp from beyond the arc against the Lynx, known for their three-point shooting prowess.
Minnesota’s solid defense will be tested by Connecticut’s shooting, and the team that can execute their game plan better will have the edge in the series.
MH: Defense, defense and more defense
Both teams excel defensively, with Connecticut leading the regular season rankings. The battle on the defensive end will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series, with each team looking to shut down their opponents.
Whichever team can limit their opponent’s offense and control the game defensively will likely come out on top in this closely contested series.
Bold Predictions
JB: The series will feature multiple triple-doubles.
Predicting at least one triple-double from each team, with players like Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Williams stepping up in key moments.
JB: Minnesota will win the series in four games.
Expecting a strong performance from Minnesota to secure the series victory in four games, with home-court advantage playing a crucial role.
MH: Each team will win a game on the road
Anticipating a closely contested series where each team will grab a win on the road, setting the stage for a decisive Game 5.
MH: Minnesota advances to the WNBA Finals in five games.
Picking Minnesota to advance in a thrilling five-game series, utilizing their home-court advantage to secure a spot in the WNBA Finals.
Stats as of 9/28. Unless otherwise noted, stats courtesy of WNBA.com.
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