Lynx Overcome 15-Point Deficit to Defeat Sun 76-70

Napheesa Collier dominated the court with 33 points and 11 rebounds, propelling the Minnesota Lynx to a thrilling 76-70 victory against the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. The Lynx executed a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final minutes of the game.

With 5:20 remaining, the Sun appeared in control, leading 68-53 after Tina Charles sank a jumper. However, the Lynx tightened their defense, holding Connecticut scoreless for over four minutes. Collier initiated the rally with a short jumper, followed by a forced shot-clock violation against the Sun.

As the clock ticked down to 1:38, Collier converted two free throws, leveling the score at 68. A missed three-pointer by Marina Mabrey for Connecticut opened the door for Natisha Hiedeman, who drained a straight-away three-pointer, capping an impressive 18-0 run and giving Minnesota its first lead of the night.

Hiedeman contributed significantly, scoring eight of her 11 points during this crucial stretch as the Lynx (4-0) closed out the game with a staggering 23-2 run in the last five minutes. Jessica Shepard also made her mark with 13 points.

For Connecticut (0-3), Mabrey led the team with 22 points, complemented by eight rebounds and six assists. Haley Peters added 12 points, while Saniya Rivers and Olivia Nelson-Ododa chipped in with 11 and 10 points respectively, with Nelson-Ododa also grabbing 10 rebounds.

Bridget Carleton's three-pointer early in the second quarter narrowed Minnesota's deficit to three points, but Connecticut responded with a surge, scoring 14 of the next 19 points to take a 45-35 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Minnesota's defense stifled Connecticut's offense, limiting them to just 10-for-39 shooting and forcing 13 turnovers. The Sun's Lindsay Allen left the game early due to a leg injury and did not return.

Looking ahead, Connecticut will face the Dream in Atlanta on Sunday, while the Lynx prepare to take on the Storm in Seattle on Tuesday.