Connecticut Sun defeats Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of WNBA playoff series

Alyssa Thomas scored 17 points and flirted with a triple-double as the Connecticut Sun won Game 1 of a WNBA semifinal series, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 73-70 on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Thomas made the Sun's last two shots with less than a minute to play and shot 8 of 12 from the floor while also collecting 10 rebounds and nine assists. Connecticut also received 20 points from Marina Mabrey and 10 points and 11 points from DeWanna Bonner.

The Sun held the Lynx to just eight points in the fourth quarter.

“For us, it really came down to getting stops,” Thomas said. “I am one of the leaders of this team. I've been here my whole career. Nothing changes. We’re looking for a championship.”

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Napheesa Collier scored 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Minnesota, while Bridget Carleton added 17 points.

The Sun took a three-point lead, 71-68, with 53.8 seconds left when Thomas hit Alanna Smith on a crossover and drove to the basket from the left wing for a layup. Smith had five blocks on the night but couldn't catch Thomas as she sank a crucial bucket.