Target Center, October 2, 2024 – A Gritty, Emotional Showdown
The Minnesota Lynx took the floor tonight at the Target Center with everything on the line in playoff Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals against the Connecticut Sun. The players had that win-or-go-home mentality, and both teams brought intensity and physicality. The game was so heated that after the final whistle, a reporter suggested to Courtney Williams it felt like a fight nearly broke out. Williams responded with a smile, “It’s playoff basketball, folks ain’t fighting.” Her response captured the grit required to compete at this level. But tonight’s game was more than just basketball—it was a test of heart, resilience, and raw emotion. What unfolded on the court wasn’t just a contest between two teams but a battle of willpower and frustration
1st Quarter: Both Teams Search for Rhythm
From the first whistle, you could feel the tension in the air. Connecticut opened the scoring with a free throw after an early foul by Alanna Smith. Minnesota, typically known for sharp execution, struggled to find their footing, with shots not falling as both teams battled defensively. Frustrated Lynx fans voiced their displeasure with the officiating, but Minnesota wasn’t helping their case. Alanna Smith hit a critical three-pointer to tie the game at 8-8, yet the Lynx still lacked their usual chemistry. The quarter ended with Minnesota holding a slim 12-10 lead as both teams searched for rhythm.
2nd Quarter: Connecticut Brings Confidence, Lynx Keep Fighting
The Sun entered the second quarter focused, pushing ahead 13-12, but the Lynx quickly matched that energy, thanks to Natisha Hiedeman’s impactful play off the bench. The game felt up for grabs, though Minnesota made defensive mistakes, allowing Connecticut easy baskets in the paint. Napheesa Collier faced double teams, but players like Alanna Smith stepped up, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Their was a moment where Sun palayer Maria Mabrey collided with Collier and Myisha Hines-Allen was their to defend and protect Collier. From that point on, it was clear that neither team was holding back. Kayla McBride picked up a technical foul, and suddenly it felt like the emotions were about to boil over. The Lynx held a 36-30 lead at the half, but the emotions were palpable, highlighted by Kayla McBride picking up a technical foul.
3rd Quarter: Lynx Fight but Can’t Find Their Flow
After halftime, the Lynx came out swinging, determined to make up the ground they’d lost. But it was clear something still wasn’t clicking. Napheesa Collier, usually the team’s go-to, was struggling to find her shot, sitting at 2-for-9 with five minutes left in the third. Despite her offensive struggles, Collier was everywhere else, grabbing boards and locking down on defense, but Minnesota needed her to get going offensively.
Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner was a menace in the paint, and the Lynx found it difficult to stop her. She was scoring at will, and the Lynx sometimes had no answer. It was frustrating to watch as Minnesota put together strong defensive possessions only to miss easy shots on the other end but lucky for them it was the same case for the Sun. The game stayed close, but you could feel the tension rising.
4th Quarter: Lynx Lock In, Sun Struggle to Hold On
Then came the fourth quarter—and the Lynx found their groove. The defense that had been solid all night kicked into overdrive, and Minnesota started to dominate. They surged to a 66-56 lead with six minutes left, thanks to stellar defensive stops from Collier, who was reminding everyone why she’s the Defensive Player of the Year. Every time the Sun tried to go inside, Collier was there, shutting down Dijonai Carrington and Bonner. It was her house, and she wasn’t letting anyone in.
But Connecticut didn’t go down quietly. They used quick transitions to get some fast-break points, and the Lynx couldn’t afford to get comfortable. Alyssa Thomas had six assists by this point, but the Sun’s offense was sputtering. The frustration on their faces was evident. They just couldn’t break through the Lynx defense, and every miss or foul called seemed to suck a little more life out of them.
Things got really heated when Kayla McBride and Marina Mabrey got into it—pure streetball vibes and chirping. Williams emphasized how they made sure to match Connecticut’s energy from game 1. The Lynx were able to learn from game 1 and came out on top winning 77-70.
Final Thoughts: Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier Lead the Charge
Courtney Williams emerged as the unsung hero, leading Minnesota with 17 points and delivering when it mattered most. Her confidence and leadership were pivotal in the tense fourth quarter. Napheesa Collier’s contributions were felt throughout the game, with 12 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, showcasing her defensive prowess. Despite her shooting struggles, she found ways to impact the game, reinforcing her status as the heart of the Lynx.
As for the Sun, Alyssa Thomas led with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists but struggled to replicate her Game 1 performance against Minnesota’s strong defense.
Up Next: Game 3 – A True Test in Connecticut
With the series now tied 1-1, Smith, who had a big night alongside her teammate Courtney—“her dawg,” as Williams would say—expressed her excitement for the next game and the desire to keep winning, showcasing their confidence.
The Lynx are headed to Mohegan Sun Arena, where the Sun will try to reclaim momentum on their home court. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday, October 4. If tonight’s game taught us anything, it’s that this series is far from over—and it’s only getting more intense.
Recent Comments