WNBA PLAYOFFS

Connecticut Sun vs. Lynx

Second round, best-of-five series

Game 1: Sunday: Sun 73, Lynx 70

Game 2: Tuesday, 8:30 p.m., Target Center (ESPN2)

Game 3: Friday, 6:30 p.m. at Connecticut

Game 4, if necessary: Sunday, at Connecticut, time TBA

Game 5, if necessary: Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Target Center

Game 2 preview

Opening bell: The Lynx made just four of 18 shots and were out-scored 16-8 in the fourth quarter Sunday. The Lynx played good defense overall — holding the Sun to 31 second-half points and to 35% shooting in the fourth quarter — but just couldn't get enough shots to fall. The Lynx struggled to contain Alyssa Thomas (17 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists), who was an assist away from her second triple-double of the season against Minnesota. They also struggled to contain Marina Mabrey, who hit six of 11 three-point attempts and scored a game-high 20.

Watch her: Lynx point guard Courtney Williams made just three of 12 shots in Game 1. The creator of much of the Lynx offense, she usually responds to a difficult game with a good one. Her ability to knock down shots could be vital.

Injuries: Lynx forward Cecilia Zandalasini (quad) missed Game 1, as did Connecticut guard Tyasha Harris (ankle). Zandalasini is probable and Harris is questionable for Game 2.

Forecast: The Lynx didn't lose back-to-back games at Target Center this season. Don't look for it to happen now.