Sun vs Lynx Preview: Collier Aims for Revival to Lead Team to Consecutive Wins; Sun Strive to Secure Home Victory in Pivotal Game

On October 5, the WNBA Playoffs Semifinals will see the Sun host the Lynx for Game 3.

The Lynx finished the regular season with a 30-10 record, ranking second in the league. The Sun had a 28-12 record, placing third in the league. Both teams were very balanced in offense and defense during the regular season, averaging over 80 points per game and conceding 75.6 and 73.6 points respectively. In the first round of the playoffs, both teams swept their opponents 2-0, advancing to the semifinals easily. However, despite having home advantage, the Lynx stumbled in the opening game of the series.

In Game 1 of the semifinals, the Lynx lost 70-73 at home to the Sun. Only three players scored in double digits for the Lynx, while on the Sun’s side, Mabrey scored 20 points, Thomas nearly recorded a triple-double, Bonner had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Carrington added 17 points and 9 rebounds. However, the Lynx improved in Game 2. Defensively, they limited the Sun to just 70 points. Although Collier shot only 3-of-14, Williams scored 17 points, Smith added 15 points, and McBride contributed 11 points. With their strong defensive performance, they secured a home win.

From their playoff performances, Collier remains the Lynx’s most important scorer, averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. However, against the Sun, Collier shot 7-of-16 and 3-of-14, a far cry from her first-round performance. Additionally, McBride, Carlton, Williams, and Smith all averaged double-digit scoring. On the Sun’s side, four players average double-digit points: Mabrey with 19.8 points, Thomas with 16.5 points, 10.5 assists, and 8.8 rebounds, Bonner with 16 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Carrington with 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Game 3 will be played at the Sun’s home court. This season, the Sun have a 14-6 home record, while the Lynx have an away record of 14-6, making them evenly matched. In their five previous meetings this season, the Sun won three games, showing a narrow gap between the teams. Therefore, the teams’ performance on the day will be crucial.

For the Lynx, whether Collier can recover her form will be key to their chances of winning. Additionally, whether her teammates can provide strong defensive pressure as they did in Game 2 is also essential. For the Sun, they need to leverage their home advantage to secure this pivotal game victory and aim to end the series at home.

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