The Minnesota Lynx cemented their place in WNBA history by closing out the season with a record-tying eighth trip to the WNBA Finals by shutting down the Connecticut Sun. As the Lynx showed tenacious grit in closing out a playoff series amid a sweltering heat wave, they topped what has ranked as one of the more potent Sun teams ever assembled.
Indeed, second-year big Napheesa Collier and veteran Sylvia Fowles led the charge for the Lynx as they executed on both ends of the floor, made critical defensive stops, and executed scoring runs at the right time. This is MVP-form Fowles; who anchors the team’s defense, getting crucial points in the paint while Collier delivered in critical moments to help propel Minnesota to this win against Connecticut.
The game had a lot of back-and-forth action where the Sun appeared to be pushing the Lynx up to their limits. Connecticut’s big stars, DeWanna Bonner and Jonquel Jones, fought hard, but it was the poise under pressure of the Lynx that carried them through to win the game.
Post-game, Coach Cheryl Reeve, who has groomed the Lynx into many championships, praised her team for its grit and determination in playing through adversity all season just to reach the Finals for the second consecutive year.
This marks the eighth WNBA Finals trip for the Lynx, meaning they become the first team outside of Seattle to share the record for the most times in league history. The Lynx’s success these last few years has come from consistent leadership and talent with which they have tried to add another championship to their already remarkable résumé.
Minnesota fans would be more than glad to see their team back on the league’s marquee stage, where they will be at the mercy of sizzling competition fighting for another crown. With veterans like Fowles at the helm and emerging superstars like Collier coming through, the Lynx seem to peak just in time.
The hard road to the Finals didn’t go easy, and the Lynx could certainly not have demonstrated their championship experience and resiliency through injuries and tough opponents during the regular season. But this championship experience and mental toughness stand out for the Lynx. The Lynx now look forward to preparing for their championship matchup in the Finals by riding on their defense, versatile scoring, and deep bench.
And, with this win, the Minnesota Lynx continues to cement its legacy as one of the most successful franchises in the history of the WNBA – and this time, with sights now set on becoming a five-time champion.
