Sun force decides Game 5 in semi-final series vs. Lynx, winning 92-82

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - OCTOBER 6: Courtney Williams #10 of the Minnesota Lynx reacts during the first half of Game Four of the WNBA playoff semifinals against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on October 6, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Lynx were crushed by a strong second-half effort by the Connecticut Sun in Game 4 of their WNBA playoff semifinal series. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) (Joe Buglewicz via Getty Images)

The New York Liberty will have to wait one more game before their opponent in the 2024 WNBA Finals is determined.

The Connecticut Sun forced a decisive Game 5 in their playoff semifinal series, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 92-82 on Sunday in Game 4. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Minnesota led 50-43 at the half and appeared to be in position to advance to the WNBA Finals. But Connecticut came back with a second-half surge, outscoring Minnesota 49-32.

The Lynx closed their deficit to 72-65 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, but the Sun closed the game on a 20-17 run led by Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner for the final margin.

Tyasha Harris scored 20 points (a playoff career-high) to lead the Sun, shooting 4-for-5 on her 3-pointers. Thomas followed with 18 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Bonner also had 18 points with eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. And DiJonai Carrington finished with 15 points and five rebounds.

A big difference for the Sun in Game 4 was better three-point shooting. After a 3-of-20 performance in Game 3, Connecticut bounced back, shooting 8-of-15 (53%) from behind the arc. In addition to Harris’ four 3-pointers, Marina Mabrey shot 2-for-6 after going 1-for-11 in Friday’s loss.

Another difference from Game 3 was that Minnesota shot poorly from three-point range. The Lynx went 10-for-26 (39%) while Bridget Carleton went 2-for-11.

Napheesa Collier followed up her 26-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 3 with 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Lynx. But she was the team’s only consistent scoring threat.

Natisha Heideman followed with 16 points, including a long 3-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half. But Courtney Williams was the only other Minnesota player to score in double figures with 11 points.

The Liberty await the winner of Tuesday’s Game 5 after defeating the Las Vegas Aces, 76-62, to wrap up their WNBA playoff semifinal. Presumably New York’s players and coaches will say it doesn’t matter who their opponent is for the championship. But they had a better record against either team.

During the regular season, the Liberty went 3-1 against the Sun. Breanna Stewart averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds and played three of four games. Sabrina Ionescu was even better, scoring 21.8 points per game.

Neither the Liberty nor the Sun have ever won a WNBA championship, while the Lynx have four titles in franchise history.

New York went 1-2 against Minnesota. Collier averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds in the three games, followed by Kayla McBride’s 14 points per game.

Breanna Stewart averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds for the Liberty, including 38 points and 18 rebounds in their September 15 matchup. Sabrina Ionescu scored 14.3 points per game.

The WNBA Finals start on Thursday.