Lynx Edge Sun in Tight WNBA Matchup
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Mohegan Sun Arena
Minnesota Lynx 86, Connecticut Sun 80, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun?
Minnesota Lynx beat Connecticut Sun 86-80 at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Lynx secured a narrow victory against the Connecticut Sun, winning 86-80 in a closely contested game at Mohegan Sun Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it tied the series at 1-1 for the season, following a previous encounter just a day prior, where the Sun had edged the Lynx 90-89. The Lynx, now holding a record of 16-6, continue to showcase their strong performance this season, while the Sun, with a record of 5-17, struggle to find consistency.
In terms of recent form, the Connecticut Sun had a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, with an average of 84.8 points scored and 84.9 points allowed per game. They entered this game on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Lynx the day before. Their home record stood at 2-5, indicating some challenges in front of their fans. The Sun's last five games showed a slight improvement, with a record of 3-2 and an average of 86.0 points scored, while allowing 79.2 points.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Lynx had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 90.1 points scored and 83.4 points allowed. However, they were on a two-game losing streak before this match, having lost their previous game against the New York Liberty. The Lynx's away record was 4-2, demonstrating their ability to perform well outside of their home venue.
In their previous meetings, the Lynx had dominated the series prior to this match, winning three of the last four encounters against the Sun. The most recent game before this one saw the Sun pull off a surprising win, but the Lynx were determined to bounce back and did so effectively.
Injury issues played a significant role in the game, particularly for the Sun, who were missing several key players. Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan were all out, which limited the Sun's options on the court. The Lynx also had their share of absentees, with Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz all sidelined.
The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the Lynx's status as favorites, with a spread of 7.5 points in their favor, and a total set at 165.5 points. The moneyline indicated the Lynx at -325, while the Sun were placed at +260, highlighting the perceived disparity in team strength.
The game conditions were typical for a summer evening in Connecticut, with fans filling the arena to support their team. The atmosphere was electric, as both teams knew the importance of the match in the context of their season.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high. Key moments included free throws from Olivia Nelson-Ododa and impactful shots from Kayla McBride and Diamond Miller, who helped the Lynx maintain their lead in the final quarter. Dorka Juhasz's three-point jumper was particularly crucial, extending the Lynx's advantage to six points late in the game.
Overall, the Lynx's ability to respond after a tough loss and the Sun's struggle to maintain momentum after their previous victory made this matchup compelling. The final score of 86-80 not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also underscored the challenges faced by the Sun as they continue to seek improvement in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -7.5 | 165.5 o -110 / u -110 | Minnesota Lynx -325 · Connecticut Sun +260 |
Injury report
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
Leaders
- PointsLeila Lacan15Connecticut Sun
- AssistsLeila Lacan6Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsNell Angloma7Connecticut Sun
- PointsKayla McBride23Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard10Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 3-7Streak W184.8 scored · 84.9 allowed per game2-5 at home
- W90-89at Minnesota LynxJul 7
- 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
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 6-4Streak L290.1 scored · 83.4 allowed per game4-2 away
- L89-90vs Connecticut SunJul 7
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Lynx | Connecticut Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-60 | 26-65 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 10-22 | 6-23 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 26 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 22-27 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 26 |
| Assists | 21 | 20 |
| Steals | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks | 7 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 35 | 51 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter49-50Raegan Beers makes layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-50Nia Coffey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-50Kayla McBride makes 15-foot running pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-52Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-53Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter52-54Diamond Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-55Diamond Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-55Maya Caldwell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-57Diamond Miller makes running layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-59Nell Angloma makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter56-59Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-61Nell Angloma makes 2-foot layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-63Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes 3-foot hook shot (Kennedy Burke assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-63Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-63Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-64Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-65Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-65Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-65Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-65Antonia Delaere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Eliska Hamzova assists)
- 4th Quarter63-67Nell Angloma makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter64-67Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-67Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-67Kayla McBride makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter68-67Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-70Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 27-foot three point jumper (Diamond Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter70-70Antonia Delaere makes 15-foot step back jumpshot (Anastasiia Olairi Kosu assists)
- 4th Quarter73-70Antonia Delaere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter76-70Dorka Juhasz makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eliska Hamzova assists)
- 4th Quarter76-73Gianna Kneepkens makes 24-foot three point jumper (Olivia Nelson-Ododa assists)
- 4th Quarter79-73Dorka Juhasz makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter79-75Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes 6-foot hook shot (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter79-76Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter81-76Kayla McBride makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Anastasiia Olairi Kosu assists)
- 4th Quarter83-76Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter83-77Diamond Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-78Diamond Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-79Diamond Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-80Diamond Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-80Dorka Juhasz makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Connecticut Sun, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- Mohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, CT
- Attendance8187
- OfficialsIsaac Barnett, Ryan Sassano, Kelly Broomfield
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