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Bridget Carleton · In elevating from a 19-win team in 2023 to a 30-win juggernaut in 2024, the Minnesota Lynx have made it clear that, although 2-pointers are impactful, having the WNBA’s most accurate long-range mark presents a luxury like no other. Thus, it couldn’t have been more poetic that the recipe for securing the postseason’s No. 2 seed required just that: a 3-pointer. Always prepared for a challenge of that scenario, Bridget Carleton inbounds the ball, giving her four-time All-Star the initial opportunity at a heroic, game-winning shot. Drifting back far enough to punish Tyasha Harris’ potential overhelp, but yet close enough to stay within catch-and-shoot range, Carleton readies herself for the ball swinging her way, ultimately connecting on a 34-footer that seals victory on September 17, 2024. After watching an eight-point lead in the final five minutes turn into a deficit, Minnesota’s season-long resilience was once again on display during a back-and-forth encounter. Calm, even within the postseason-like aura, Carleton responded with 13 points (on four-of-eight shooting), three rebounds, one assist, and three 3-pointers. · State of Mint