Alyssa Thomas helps the Connecticut Sun force Game 5 with 92-82 win over the Minnesota Lynx

UNCASVILLE, Conn — With everything on the line, Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris propelled Connecticut to a crucial victory, forcing a decisive Game 5 in their semifinal series. Thomas delivered an impressive performance with 18 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, leading the Sun to a 92-82 win over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.

The triumph sets up a winner-take-all showdown on Tuesday night in Minnesota, with the victor advancing to face the Liberty in the WNBA Finals, beginning Thursday in New York. Earlier this season, Minnesota had already bested New York for the Commissioner’s Cup title.

Harris, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since her ankle injury in Game 1 of the opening round against Indiana, made a significant impact, scoring 20 points and helping the Sun aim for their third trip to the Finals in six seasons. Despite their success, the franchise is still in search of its first WNBA championship.

Coach White informed Harris of her return to the starting five during shootaround that morning. Having played just seven minutes in Games 2 and 3, she stepped up to play 30 minutes on Sunday, proving to be a game-changer.

Napheesa Collier fought hard for Minnesota, finishing with 29 points and 13 rebounds. The Lynx, seeking to return to the Finals for the first time since 2017, were last champions in that year, securing their fourth title in seven seasons.

The Sun overcame a seven-point halftime deficit, rallying behind Thomas and Harris. With the game tied at 61, Connecticut closed the third quarter on a high note, scoring seven of the final nine points to lead 68-63 heading into the fourth.

Harris sealed the momentum with a crucial 3-pointer, extending the Sun’s lead to ten points with 5:48 left and diminishing any hopes the Lynx had of closing out the series. Minnesota managed to get no closer than eight points for the remainder of the game.

Collier had initially helped Minnesota build a seven-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Lynx held a 47-41 advantage when DiJonai Carrington stole the ball from Natisha Hiedeman and scored a layup. However, Hiedeman responded dramatically, hitting a 3-pointer from just inside halfcourt right before the halftime buzzer, giving the Lynx a 50-43 lead. Collier led Minnesota in the first half with 14 points, while Hiedeman contributed 12 against her former team.