Bleacher Report
The WNBA semifinals continued Friday with Sport 3 of each sequence happening.
Within the opener, Napheesa Collier posted 26 factors and 11 rebounds to steer the Minnesota Lynx to a 90-81 win over the host Connecticut Solar.
Within the nightcap, the host Las Vegas Aces crushed the top-seeded New York Liberty 95-81 thanks largely to a 17-0 third quarter run.
Minnesota now leads Connecticut two video games to at least one, whereas New York holds a 2-1 benefit over the Aces.
Here is a fast have a look at how each video games went down.
Lynx 90, Solar 81
Minnesota shot 57.4 p.c from the sphere, and that finally proved to be the distinction. Outdoors Collier, three different Lynx gamers scored in double digits, led by Courtney Williams’ 16. Williams had a unbelievable recreation, capturing 7-of-10 and likewise dishing eight assists.
Connecticut discovered itself operating uphill practically all recreation. The Solar by no means led after going up 4-2 early on. Minnesota led 23-16 after one, 48-36 on the half and 68-54 following three quarters.
The Solar did minimize into the lead a bit within the fourth, although, slashing the benefit to seven factors after a DeWanna Bonner three-point play made it 86-79 with 1:20 remaining. However Williams made a clutch bucket in response to successfully put this one on ice.
Connecticut could not get going offensively, notably making simply 3-of-20 three-pointers. Marina Mabrey had an off-night, making simply 1-of-11 threes. She’s been sensational in these playoffs, although, averaging 18.6 PPG. All 5 Solar gamers scored in double digits, led by Brionna Jones’ 21.
The Solar will look to carry off elimination once they host the Lynx on Sunday.
Aces 95, Liberty 81
A decent recreation was a rout within the third quarter because the Aces went on a 17-0 run that stretched practically eight minutes.
Earlier than the run, the Aces had been holding a decent 56-53 lead. However that phenomenal stretch put Las Vegas up 73-53, and the defending champions cruised from there.
Jackie Younger led the Aces with 24 factors on 10-of-18 capturing, and Kelsey Plum added 20 factors. MVP A’ja Wilson dropped a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double. Sixth Lady of the 12 months Tiffany Hayes additionally excelled off the bench with 11 factors and three steals in simply 16 minutes. As a staff, Las Vegas shot 52.1 p.c.
Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 19 factors. Jonquel Jones had 11 factors in 25 minutes as foul hassle within the third quarter compelled her to the bench. Sabrina Ionescu, who had averaged 27.0 PPG in her final three contests, completed with simply 4 on 1-of-7 capturing.
Las Vegas will look to even the sequence at two video games apiece when the staff hosts Sport 4 on Sunday.
