The highly anticipated 2024 WNBA Semifinals are set to tip off, featuring a compelling matchup between the No. 3-seed Connecticut Sun and the No. 2-seed Minnesota Lynx. Basketball fans are eager to know Where To Watch Minnesota Lynx Vs Connecticut Sun as these two powerhouses clash in a best-of-five series starting this Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN. Both teams are coming off dominant first-round sweeps, setting the stage for a thrilling and closely contested semifinal showdown.
This series is a rematch of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs first round, where the Sun edged out the Lynx two games to one. While Connecticut was favored then and has consistently remained a strong contender, the Minnesota Lynx have shown remarkable improvement since their 2023 season. This sets up an intriguing battle as the Lynx aim to overcome past results and challenge the Sun’s established dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Key Players and Team Dynamics: Lynx’s Rising Offense Meets Sun’s Tenacious Defense
Connecticut remains true to its identity as one of the most physically imposing and hardworking teams in the WNBA. Anchored by veteran stars Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, the Sun are making their fifth consecutive semifinal appearance. This dynamic duo embodies the franchise’s winning culture, as they relentlessly pursue their first WNBA championship.
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Image alt text: Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas, a key player to watch in the WNBA Semifinals series against the Minnesota Lynx, known for her physical and impactful style of play.
On the other side, the Minnesota Lynx are experiencing a resurgence, reminiscent of their dynasty era with Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles. Napheesa Collier has emerged as their new cornerstone, evolving into a versatile and highly efficient forward, now firmly in the MVP conversation.
The Lynx’s offseason acquisitions of Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith have significantly bolstered their roster. They’ve cultivated a dynamic offensive system centered on ball movement and three-point precision. In the 2024 season, Minnesota set a WNBA record for assist rate, with an astounding 76.43 percent of their baskets assisted. They also led the league in three-point shooting percentage, hitting an impressive 38 percent from beyond the arc. Kayla McBride is a prime example of Minnesota’s sharpshooting prowess.
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Image alt text: Minnesota Lynx sharpshooter Kayla McBride, a crucial offensive weapon, demonstrating her three-point shooting ability against the Connecticut Sun in their upcoming WNBA Semifinals matchup.
Connecticut addressed their scoring needs by acquiring guard Marina Mabrey mid-season. Her perimeter shooting provides crucial support to the inside dominance of Thomas and center Brionna Jones. Mabrey gives the Sun a perimeter threat to counter Minnesota’s Kayla McBride, promising exciting guard matchups throughout the series.
Broadcast Details and Game Schedule: Where to Catch Every Moment
For fans wondering where to watch Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. The series will be nationally televised on the ESPN family of networks.
Here’s the full schedule, including where to watch each game:
Game 1: Connecticut Sun at Minnesota Lynx
When: Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: ESPN
Game 2: Connecticut Sun at Minnesota Lynx
When: Tuesday, Oct. 1 (Time TBD)
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: TBD (Check local listings and ESPN networks)
Game 3: Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun
When: Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
How to watch: ESPN2
Game 4 (If Necessary): Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun
When: Sunday, Oct 6. (Time TBD)
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
How to watch: TBD (Likely ESPN Networks, check listings)
Game 5 (If Necessary): Connecticut Sun at Minnesota Lynx
When: Tuesday, Oct. 8 (Time TBD)
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: ESPN2
Please note: Game times and broadcast details for games 2, 4, and 5 are To Be Determined (TBD). Consult your local TV listings and ESPN’s WNBA schedule for the most up-to-date information on where to watch these games as they are finalized.
Defensive Showdown Expected
While their offensive styles diverge – Connecticut thrives in the paint and at the free-throw line, while Minnesota excels from the perimeter – both the Sun and Lynx are elite defensive teams. They held the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in defensive rating during the regular season, respectively, separated by a mere fraction of a point per 100 possessions. Both teams also excel at forcing turnovers, ranking in the top four in opponent turnover percentage.
Given their defensive prowess, anticipate potentially lower-scoring, tightly contested games. Only one of their three regular-season matchups exceeded 160 points, and that game required overtime to reach that mark. The regular-season series saw Connecticut win two games to one, but the margins were razor-thin, with the total point differential across all three games being just four points. Each game remained undecided until the final moments, foreshadowing a nail-biting semifinal series.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the WNBA Semifinals Action
The Minnesota Lynx versus Connecticut Sun semifinal series promises to be a captivating battle. With contrasting styles, star power, and defensive intensity, every game is poised to be a must-watch event for WNBA fans. Make sure you know where to watch Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun and tune in to witness which team will advance to the WNBA Finals.
