Nearly two hours before Tuesday’s game, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve actually made a promise:

This time the defense would be better.

Reeve was better than her word. The Lynx brought defense. They caused offense. They brought strength, an edge.

In a do-or-die Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals, the Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun 88-77 to advance to the WNBA Finals for the seventh time — which begin Thursday evening in New York — and the first time since they won their fourth time. 2017 title.

The Lynx outscored the Sun 31-18 in the first quarter and scored 53 points in the first half while building a 19-point lead. After the Sun scored the first seven points of the third quarter, the Lynx responded with 12 straight points to go up by 24.

Once again, Napheesa Collier led the way, scoring 27 points with 11 rebounds and four assists, four blocks and a steal, becoming the first player in the league’s playoff history with three straight games of 25 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs. offs.

She wasn’t the only one. Courtney Williams had 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Kayla McBride scored 19.