Lynx eliminates Sun behind Napheesa Collier's 27 points; will play Liberty in the WNBA Finals

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as she helped the team defeat the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of the semifinals on Tuesday.

The Lynx defeated the Sun 88-77 to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017.

Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, also had four blocks.

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Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, center, celebrates with teammates in the 88-77 win against the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of the WNBA basketball semifinals on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

“She has improved every season. She was simply amazing. Every game she helps our team more than just a goal,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “If she plays like the MVP, we’ll be hard to beat.”

Courtney Williams added 24 points after hitting her first six shots and Kayla McBride contributed 19.

“When you start a game like that, you kind of know that the basket feels big, you have a great green light,” Williams said. “I think that’s the confidence that Cheryl gives us.”

2024 WNBA CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: LIBERTY VS LYNX IN FINAL

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, No. 10, works toward the basket as Connecticut Sun forward DeWanna Bonner, No. 24, during the second half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball semifinal on Tuesday, April 8 . October 2024 in Minneapolis, defended. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Minnesota jumped out to a 21-point lead in the second quarter and never really looked back.

“They just hit us in the face, we got shocked and then we couldn't defend ourselves,” Sun star DeWanna Bonner said.

The Lynx will now face the New York Liberty in hopes of winning their fifth WNBA title.

The Liberty have never won a WNBA championship, but built a superteam with Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones that helped them to 32 wins for the second straight year.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, #24, celebrates with her teammates after their 88-77 win against the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of the WNBA basketball semifinals on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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New York defeated the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces to reach the finals.

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