Despite losing Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said she felt optimistic about her team's chances to win the series. Its best player, Napheesa Collier, wasn't efficient offensively and the Connecticut Sun shot better than 40% from 3.

Minnesota led by 7 points after one quarter and 48-36 at the half thanks to Collier, who made 7 of her 10 shots in the opening 20 minutes. Brionna Jones led Connecticut with 21.

Courtney Williams scored 17 points and Alanna Smith had 15 points to help the Minnesota Lynx offset an off night for star Napheesa Collier and beat the Connecticut Sun 77-70 to even the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series at one game apiece.