Lynx vs. Sun Preview: With Collier on Fire, Can Marbury Lead the Team to Create Difficulties for the Lynx in the Away Game?

On the morning of September 29, the second round of the WNBA playoffs, Game 1 kicked off with the Lynx hosting the Sun.

The Lynx entered the playoffs with a record of 30 wins and 10 losses in the regular season, ranking second in the league. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Mercury with a score of 2-0 and advanced to the semi-finals. Throughout the season, the Lynx have performed very well, which is attributed to their adjustments during the off-season. They signed the eighth pick scorer Pilley from the draft, recruited veteran Courtney Williams and starting power forward Smith from Sky, despite losing Banham and Tiffany Mitchell. However, based on the performance so far this season, the Lynx have surpassed expectations.

The Lynx’s offensive performance this season has been hot, averaging 101.5 points per game, ranking first in the league. Although their average points conceded reached 91.5, overall, the Lynx can make up for defensive loopholes with their offensive advantages. Notably, the Lynx also have a good three-point shooting touch, averaging 9.7 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the league, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.2%, also among the top in the league.

Under Collier’s leadership, four players on the Lynx averaged double-digit points in the playoffs. Among them, Collier averaged 40 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists in two playoff games. McBride contributed 17.5 points and 4 assists, Carlton added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Williams scored 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Lynx have sufficient scoring support.

In their most recent game, the Lynx defeated the Mercury 101-88 at home. Although the Lynx did not have an advantage in rebounds, their field goal percentage reached 50.7%. Particularly noteworthy was their leading three-point shooting percentage. Additionally, the Lynx did a great job controlling fouls and turnovers, which were key to their victory. Collier scored 42 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in this game, with five players scoring in double figures. With their excellent starters, the Lynx completely defeated their opponents, the Mercury. In their first matchup, Collier also scored 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, plus McBride’s 20 points, the Lynx relied on Collier’s outstanding performance to defeat the Mercury. It can be said that the Lynx’s recent form has been very good.

The Sun finished the regular season with a record of 28 wins and 12 losses, ranking third in the league and entering the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, they easily defeated the Fever 2-0 and advanced to the semi-finals. The team’s overall state has also been very good, which is related to retaining the main lineup from last season. The Sun brought in Jefferson from the Mercury, Mitchell and Baham from the Lynx, and Ibou from the Mystics, along with four draft picks, showing significant improvement overall.

The Sun averaged 90 points per game in the playoffs, keeping their average points conceded under 75. They excel particularly in scoring through free throws, averaging 21.1 free throw opportunities and hitting 15.8, ranking among the league leaders. Of course, their outstanding defensive performance is crucial for the Sun’s pursuit of better results. In the playoffs, four players on the Sun averaged double-digit points, with Marbury averaging 22 points and 4.5 assists, Bonner 18.5 points and 7 rebounds, Thomas 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 13 assists, and Carrington 12 points and 4.5 rebounds.

In their latest game, the Sun narrowly defeated the Fever 87-81 at home. Compared to the first game, it was harder for the Sun to win this time, revealing some issues. If not for the Fever’s lack of key players, there might have been a third game. Fortunately, the Sun had multiple players step up, with five players scoring in double figures. Thomas contributed 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Marbury added 17 points and 6 assists. Marbury and Bonner’s crucial three-pointers saved the team. In the first game, Marbury and Bonner combined for 49 points, leading the team to easily defeat the Fever.

The Lynx and the Sun met three times during the regular season, with the Sun having a slight advantage with a 2-1 record. However, in their September matchup, the Lynx narrowly won 78-76. The key playoff matchup will determine who comes out victorious, let’s wait and see.

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