One more game to decide which team will face the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals.
Connnecticut forced a sudden-death Game 5 after a 92-82 Game 4 win back at home.
The Connecticut Sun battles back to even the series 2-2, forcing a Game 5 🔥
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 6, 2024
With five players scoring in double figures, Ty Harris shines bright, dropping a playoff career-high 20 PTS on an impressive 4-5 from beyond the arc!
Final Score: 92-82#WelcometotheW | #WNBAPlayoffs… pic.twitter.com/fJIRkLriOH
Alyssa Thomas’ all-around game of 20 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds spearheaded a resounding Sun win, staving off elimination.
Dewanna Bonner, who was among five Connecticut double-digit scorers, braces for a classic finish against the Lynx back in Minnesota.
"I can only imagine what it would be like in a Game 5. We just got to focus in on each other and we have each other."
Bonner added: "They won multiple championships. So, they’re hungry for another one. So, you know it’s going to be crazy.”
The Sun put on an offensive clinic in the second half, led by three standout performances:
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 6, 2024
Ty Harris: 20 PTS, 4-5 3PM
Alyssa Thomas: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 11 AST
DeWanna Bonner: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
A powerful trio igniting the Game 4 comeback 💪#WelcometotheW | #WNBAPlayoffs… pic.twitter.com/3zVvdTAR4K
Connecticut stole Game 1 on the road but Minnesota won the next two games.
The Sun is looking to reach the title round for the third time in six seasons, losing to the Washington Mystics in 2019 and the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 in their last two trips.
After that Game 4 defeat, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier noted how the Lynx will capitalize on their hard-earned homecourt edge to finish of the Sun.
holding us DOWN. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wSGzMuPyVH
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) October 6, 2024
"You work so hard in the regular season because you want this advantage,” Collier bared who had 29 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota in Game 4.
“Obviously you want to go home for that game. And since we are, it’s really nice to have that homecourt advantage.”
The Lynx, who are eyeing their first Finals appearance in 2017, are just 3-5 in Game 5's all-time combining their playoff and championship games. They are 1-4 in their last five winner-take all games in the playoffs.
Sun coach Stephanie White emphasized how her team must raise their level of play in the series finale.
"It's about not being denied and finding something deep inside of you that just allows you to come out on top," White said.
Her counterpart in Minnesota head tactician Cheryl Reeve bared that their Game 4 loss will be serve as their fuel to seal their place in the Finals.
"This is how we feel after this game. That makes for a great Game 5."
The do-or-die Game 5 will be on Wednesday, October 9 (Philippine time).
