The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 to advance to the WNBA Finals where the New York Liberty lie in wait.

On Wednesday, the Lynx secured an 88-77 win over the Sun to clinch a return to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017 when the franchise defeated the Los Angeles Sparks in five games to seal a fourth championship in seven years. Also, Minnesota set a new all-time record for most playoff wins by a franchise with 48 thanks to Tuesday’s victory.

Napheesa Collier, who finished second in WNBA MVP voting behind Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, led the way for the Lynx, putting up 27 points to go with 11 rebounds and four assists. The four-time All-Star’s teammates also pulled their weight. Courtney Williams added a season-high 24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Kayla McBride chimed in with double-digit points before a jubilant crowd at Target Center.

The Lynx flew out the blocks to start the all-important win-or-go-home series finale. McBride got hot early, putting up 10 points while Williams added nine points and five rebounds as Minnesota led 31-18 through the first quarter.

Ultimately, the Lynx were sinking their shots while the Sun struggled to get going offensively and were outscored throughout the opening half. The Lynx were also taking advantage of turnovers; Minnesota had tallied 12 points off 10 Connecticut turnovers, while the Sun failed to score on the home team’s four turnovers.

While DiJonai Carrington hustled and left everything out on the court with a performance that featured 17 points and 13 rebounds, the Sun simply had no answer for WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Collier. She tallied another double-double, dominating on both ends of the floor as she eyes a first championship to crown an incredible year and incredible playoff run.

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Courtney Williams starred for the Lynx to seal a stunning Game 5 win

Courtney Williams starred for the Lynx to seal a stunning Game 5 win ( 

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Getty Images)

With her performance against the Sun, Collier became the first player in WNBA history to score 25 points and put up at least 10 rebounds in three successive playoff games. She is on a historic run, and her tantalizing matchup with 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart serves as must-watch TV.

Collier is in the form of her life, leading the Lynx to a WNBA-best 18-4 record since the Olympic break including the playoffs. New York was the top-seeded team in the regular season, ensuring the team with the best record takes on the most in-form group in an exciting Finals matchup.

The Liberty are in the WNBA Finals for the sixth time in franchise history but are still chasing an elusive first championship. In the blue corner, the Lynx have now made it to the WNBA Finals on seven occasions, winning four titles – tied for the most in league history.

Including the Commissioners Cup, the Lynx have defeated the Liberty in three of their four meetings across the 2024 WNBA season. Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals takes place at Barclays Center in New York on Thursday, Oct. 10.