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Napheesa Collier finished the Minnesota Lynx's Game 2 win over the Connecticut Sun with nine points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Collier had a rough shooting night, going 3-for-14 from the field in the Lynx's 77-70 victory to even the series at 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Connecticut.
The rest of the Lynx's starters picked up the slack led by Courtney Williams with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Alanna Smith contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Kayla McBride added 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
On the other hand, Alyssa Thomas had another big game for the Sun, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. DeWanna Bonner added 17 points, six rebounds and five steals, while Marina Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington shot a combined 9-for-27.
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Here are Collier's stats for Game 2 so far:
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Napheesa Collier's impact on Game 2
Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx came into Game 2 trying to even the series against the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx failed to protect homecourt after losing the series opener on Sunday. Collier was coming off a 19-point performance in Game 1.
In the first quarter, Collier was limited to just two points after a low-scoring 12 minutes for both teams. The defense was good and shots weren't just falling as the Lynx took a 12-10 lead into the second quarter.
The MVP runner-up added just three points in the second period as Minnesota tried to take control of the game. They ended the first half with a 36-30 advantage. They were desperate to get the win tonight since they don't want to go down 0-2 heading into Connecticut for the next two games.
Napheesa Collier remained quiet in the third quarter, struggling with her shot and scored just two points. However, Collier's defense was a factor in limiting the Sun's offense in the period as the Lynx had the 58-49 lead heading into the fourth and final period.
Collier still couldn't find her rhythm in the fourth quarter but Courtney Williams and the rest of the Lynx starters were able to maintain the lead and get the much-needed 77-70 win. The MVP runner-up only had two points in the final period, both of which came from the free throw line.
Despite having her first off game of the postseason, Naphesa Collier proved that she's the best defender in the league. Collier was key in making stops and her teammate stepped up when she needed them the most.
When is Game 3 of the Lynx-Sun semifinals series?
Game 3 of the Minnesota Lynx versus Connecticut Sun semifinals matchup will be on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville, Connecticut. It's scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN2. It's also available via live stream on the WNBA League Pass with a paid subscription.
