WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 9/17

Sep 17th 2023

Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun, 1pm ET

Lynx Injury Report: Jessica Shepard (ankle), Lindsay Allen (thumb), Natalie Achonwa (maternity leave) are OUT.

Lynx Confirmed Lineup: Tiffany Mitchell, Kayla McBride, Diamond Miller, Napheesa Collier, Dorka Juhász

Sun Injury Report: Brionna Jones (Achilles) is OUT.

Sun Confirmed Lineup: Natisha Hiedeman, Tiffany Hayes, Rebecca Allen, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas

In the first game of this series, Minnesota and Connecticut had opposite results from beyond the arc. The Lynx made 20.0% of their three-point shots, while the Sun converted 53.3% of their 30 attempts. Connecticut's strong shooting percentages led to a lopsided victory and left them with an opportunity to close out Minnesota in two games. The Sun's defense was also a huge factor as they recorded 15 steals against a Lynx team whose opponents averaged just 7.1 steals per game against them in the regular season.

Chicago Sky at Las Vegas Aces, 3pm ET

Sky Injury Report: TBD

Sky Confirmed Lineup: Marina Mabrey, Courtney Williams, Kahleah Copper, Alanna Smith, Elizabeth Williams

Aces Injury Report: TBD

Aces Confirmed Lineup: Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, A'ja Wilson, Kiah Stokes

The Aces were dominant defensively in Game 1 as they held the Sky to 59 points. Chicago scored just 10 points in the third quarter and 23 in the second half. Las Vegas was sharp offensively as well, particularly in the paint where they recorded 44 of their 87 points. If the Sky want to compete in the series, they'll need to get better play from Kahleah Copper's supporting cast. Last game, Copper was the only Chicago player to score in double-digits while her 10 teammates combined for just 44 points.