Lynx vs. Sun – Final score: Collier’s injury is too difficult to cope with

After their loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday, the Minnesota Lynx will look to avoid their first two-game losing streak of the season when they face the Connecticut Sun.

The Lynx got off to a slow start, missing two of their first three shots and having four turnovers in the first five minutes of play, giving the Sun an early 10-2 lead. Connecticut’s lead grew to as many as 11 points as Dewanna Banna scored 11 of the Sun’s 20 first-quarter points.

In the closing minutes of the first quarter, the Lynx’s league-leading defense recovered five times in two minutes, allowing Minnesota to attack on the other side.

These turnovers resulted in the Lynx scoring 11 points off turnovers, allowing Minnesota to cut the lead to 20-17 early in the second quarter.

The Lynx continued their defensive dominance in the second quarter, holding the Sun without a field goal for over five minutes since the first quarter. Minnesota took a 23-22 lead thanks to Alanna Smith’s second three-pointer of the game.

The turnovers would once again rear their ugly head for the Lynx as they lost the ball three times in a row, leading to an 8-0 run for the Sun.

The Lynx rebounded again and took the lead, ending the quarter with a 13-2 run in the final four minutes of the first half and heading into halftime with a 40-36 lead.

Alanna Smith was the Lynx’s leading scorer with nine points on three 3-pointers. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams followed closely behind with eight points each. DeWanna Bonner was the team’s leading scorer in the first half with 15 points on 7 of 10 shots.

Smith continued her strong shooting in the second half, making her fourth 3-pointer early in the second half, only to draw the defense a few possessions later and make a drive-by layup to give the Lynx a double-digit lead.

The Sun fought back and went on a 10-0 run, including two three-pointers from DiJonai Carrington, to tie the game at 48-48.

Late in the third quarter, Napheesa Collier left the game with a left foot injury. Without their MVP candidate on the court, the Lynx struggled to contain the Sun, and Minnesota trailed 64-58 entering the fourth quarter.

Minnesota fought back and tied the game early in the fourth quarter with Bridget Carlton hitting her fourth 3-pointer of the game. Connecticut went on another 10-0 run, their second of the game, to take a 74-64 lead.

This lead proved to be too big, as despite a late push from Minnesota, the Lynx lost 78-73 to the Sun.

Alanna Smith was the Lynx’s leading scorer with 14 points, including four long-range shots. McBride, Carleton and Williams also scored in double figures for the Lynx.

DeWanna Bonner was Connecticut’s best player with 24 points and 10 of 16 shooting. Alyssa Thomas was the best playmaker with 14 assists.

The central theses

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Injury to Napheesa Collier

Late in the third quarter, Napheesa Collier was forced to leave the game with a non-contact left foot injury and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.

It is currently unclear what impact this injury will have on Collier and the Lynx going forward, but if she is out for some time, it would be a major loss for the Lynx, who currently have the best record in the Western Conference.

After a season in which Collier finished fourth in MVP voting, Phee has put together another sensational season, leading the Lynx in both scoring and rebounding with 20.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Collier’s versatility and ability to score from all areas of the court have helped the Lynx to an incredible start to the season, including a Commissioner’s Cup victory.

The Lynx will miss Collier’s rebounds the most, as they rank last in the WNBA in rebounding percentage and rely on Collier’s rebounds to make up for the lack of size in their regular rotation.

If Collier is out for some time due to this injury, the Lynx will rely on Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith and Bridget Carlton, among others, to replace Collier in terms of points and rebounds.

Lynx: Hot 3-point shot

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The Lynx were the best three-point shooters in the WNBA and they continued to demonstrate that ability on Independence Day, when Minnesota made 13 of its 25 attempts from beyond the three-point line.

Smith, Carleton and McBride all had fantastic shooting nights, combining for 11 three-pointers on just 17 attempts. All three had fantastic shooting seasons for Minnesota and will need to continue that high production if Collier is sidelined.

3-point shots are a trademark of the Lynx offense, as they often have five 3-point shooters on the court at once, leaving their offense open to both 3-point shots and shots close to the basket.

First losing streak of the season

For the first time this season, the Minnesota Lynx have lost two games in a row after previously being 4-0 in games following a loss. This is Minnesota’s third loss in four games since becoming Commissioner’s Cup champions.

The loss of Collier played a huge role in this defeat, as the game was tied when she left the game late in the third quarter. Turnovers were also a huge factor in this loss, as Minnesota lost the ball an astonishing 18 times, leading to 26 points for Connecticut.

Next

The Lynx will look to rebound and avoid a third straight loss when they face the Washington Mystics on Saturday at Target Center. Fans can watch the game on Bally Sports North.