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.

Minnesota played to its strengths, defended, didn't force anything and shot well inside the arc to take a 2-1 series lead over the Sun.