Connecticut Sun Edges Minnesota Lynx in Thrilling Finish
Monday, July 6, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center
Connecticut Sun 90, Minnesota Lynx 89, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Connecticut Sun vs Minnesota Lynx?
Connecticut Sun beat Minnesota Lynx 90-89 at Target Center on July 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Connecticut Sun vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -800 (about 89% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Connecticut Sun triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx with a final score of 90-89 at the Target Center on July 7, 2026. This victory marked a significant moment for the Sun, who improved their record to 6-16, while the Lynx fell to 15-7. The game was notable not only for its close score but also for the implications it had on the series, which is now tied 1-1.
The Lynx entered the game with a strong home record of 15-6 and were seen as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at -11.5 in favor of Minnesota. However, the Sun, despite their struggles this season, managed to pull off an impressive win. The Lynx had been averaging 90.0 points per game over their last ten outings, but they were unable to maintain that scoring pace against a determined Sun defense.
In their recent form, Minnesota had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to the New York Liberty 99-86 in their previous match. The Lynx had averaged 81.8 points and allowed 82.2 points in their last five games, showcasing a relatively balanced performance. At home, they had a 3-1 record, which included a recent win against the Dallas Wings.
On the other hand, the Connecticut Sun had struggled significantly, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games prior to this matchup. They were also on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Dallas Wings 86-83 in their last outing. The Sun averaged 83.3 points and allowed 85.1 points in their last ten games, reflecting their difficulties in both scoring and defense. Their away record was particularly concerning, as they had not won a game on the road this season, standing at 0-3.
Historically, the Lynx had dominated the recent meetings between these two teams, winning all three matchups in the 2025 season, including a decisive 102-63 victory at home. However, the Sun's performance in this game demonstrated their ability to compete despite their overall struggles this season.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced significant absences. The Lynx were missing Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, while the Sun were without Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan. The absence of key players undoubtedly influenced the dynamics of the game.
The conditions in the Target Center were conducive to a competitive game, with a crowd eager to support the Lynx. However, the Sun's resilience shone through as they executed crucial plays down the stretch. Key moments included free throws by Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride, which helped the Sun maintain their lead in the final minutes. A pivotal three-pointer from Kennedy Burke extended the Sun's lead to 87-84, followed by a layup from Brittney Griner that pushed the score to 89-84.
The final moments were tense, with the Lynx attempting to mount a comeback. Natasha Howard's two-point shot and Diamond Miller's free throw brought the Lynx closer, but a late three-pointer from Courtney Williams sealed the victory for the Sun.
As the game concluded, the Lynx's home win probability dropped to 0.0, illustrating the unexpected turn of events that unfolded. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports, where even the underdog can rise to the occasion and secure a memorable victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -11.5 | 165.5 o -108 / u -112 | Connecticut Sun +550 · Minnesota Lynx -800 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
Leaders
- PointsKayla McBride28Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams6Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsCourtney Williams9Minnesota Lynx
- PointsBrittney Griner29Connecticut Sun
- AssistsCharlisse Leger-Walker5Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsBrittney Griner10Connecticut Sun
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak L190 scored · 81.2 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L86-99at New York LibertyJul 3
- W85-77at Dallas WingsJun 28
- W78-76at Washington MysticsJun 24
- L79-84vs Washington MysticsJun 21
- W81-75at Golden State ValkyriesJun 20
- W99-83at Los Angeles SparksJun 18
- W107-74vs Portland FireJun 16
- L97-100at Las Vegas AcesJun 14
- W100-76vs Dallas WingsJun 10
- W88-68vs Seattle StormJun 6
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 2-8Streak L183.3 scored · 85.1 allowed per game0-3 away
- L83-86vs Dallas WingsJul 3
- W68-57vs Washington MysticsJun 26
- W92-63vs Chicago SkyJun 22
- L97-101vs Toronto TempoJun 19
- L81-88vs Washington MysticsJun 17
- L75-85vs Indiana FeverJun 13
- L102-106at Toronto TempoJun 10
- L80-89vs New York LibertyJun 8
- L80-85at Chicago SkyJun 5
- L75-91at Atlanta DreamJun 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Connecticut Sun | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-66 | 31-71 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 7-15 | 10-30 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 33 |
| Free throws | 17-29 | 17-19 |
| Free throw % | 59 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 24 |
| Assists | 21 | 24 |
| Steals | 11 | 5 |
| Blocks | 6 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 30 |
| Fouls | 20 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 84 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter54-49Brittney Griner makes layup (Olivia Nelson-Ododa assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-51Natasha Howard makes layup (Dorka Juhasz assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-51Brittney Griner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-53Antonia Delaere makes 12-foot two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-53Diamond Miller makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter57-55Kayla McBride makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter59-55Brittney Griner makes layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-55Leila Lacan makes 24-foot three point jumper (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-57Natasha Howard makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-59Kayla McBride makes 1-foot two point shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-61Natasha Howard makes two point shot (Eliska Hamzova assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-63Natasha Howard makes 2-foot layup (Eliska Hamzova assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-64Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter64-64Brittney Griner makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-64Brittney Griner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter65-65Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-66Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-66Brittney Griner makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot (Kennedy Burke assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-66Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter70-69Dorka Juhasz makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter72-69Brittney Griner makes layup (Olivia Nelson-Ododa assists)
- 4th Quarter75-69Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 23-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-71Natasha Howard makes layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter75-72Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-72Kennedy Burke makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Diamond Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter77-75Antonia Delaere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dorka Juhasz assists)
- 4th Quarter79-75Diamond Miller makes 3-foot layup (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter79-77Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter82-77Kennedy Burke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter82-79Kayla McBride makes layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter84-79Brittney Griner makes 3-foot two point shot (Diamond Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter84-81Kayla McBride makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter84-82Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter84-83Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-84Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-84Kennedy Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter89-84Brittney Griner makes layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter89-86Natasha Howard makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter90-86Diamond Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-89Courtney Williams makes 23-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Connecticut Sun.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10810
- OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Ken Jones, Catherine Chang
Elsewhere
- Russell Westbrook joins board of basketball league Project B
- How do the WNBA playoffs work? Dates, format and more
- Wings' Li to miss FIBA World Cup due to lost passport
- 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup: Team USA analysis, rankings, rosters
- Why are there no WNBA games for two weeks? More about FIBA break
- 2026 WNBA championship odds: Lynx still odds-on title favorites; Aces, Valkyries next
- U.S. coach Kara Lawson calls World Cup most challenging
- Sky's Skylar Diggins (knee) to miss remainder of season
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Defeat Sun 101-89 in WNBA ShowdownSep 20, 2026
- Lynx Edge Sun in Tight WNBA MatchupJul 8, 2026