But in the fourth? Four of the five starters scored for the Sun, while Collier had six of Minnesota’s final eight points.

To the Lynx’s credit, they played defense until the end, holding the Sun to 16 points on 7-for-20 shooting in the fourth. Smith had eight rebounds, four assists and five blocks. Three Lynx starters had multiple steals.

But the shots wouldn’t fall.

Still, with 5:39 left, Collier hit a 15-footer to give the Lynx a one-point lead. But Thomas hit a cutting DiJonai Carrington for a layup, Collier missed at the other end and Bonner scored in transition and the Sun never trailed again.

Connecticut was 2-1 vs. Minnesota; they were the only team the Lynx lost the season series to. Now the Sun – who eliminated the Lynx in the first round of the playoffs last year – have won three of four.

“This was a tough win,” Sun coach Stephanie White said. “We knew it would be like this. The entire series will be like this. These are two great defensive teams.”