UNCASVILLE, Conn., July 23 (Ticker) -- Shannon Johnson and Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 13 points apiece in the second half as the Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx, 84-70, for their third straight victory.

NBA TV highlights from Lynx-Sun: 56k | 300k

The Lynx closed to 74-69 on Sheri Sam's three-point play with 2:09 remaining, but the Sun put away the contest by scoring the next 10 points. Johnson, who finished with 20 points, was 6-for-6 from the foul line during the spurt.

McWilliams-Franklin and Nykesha Sales each chipped in 17 points for Connecticut, which was 22-of-26 from the line, compared to just 11-of-13 for Minnesota. The Sun also maintained a 36-22 edge in points in the paint.

Katie Smith led Minnesota with 20 points, but was only 7-of-16 from the field. Sam contributed 17 points for the Lynx, while Jordan Adams recorded a double-double off the bench with 13 and 10 rebounds.

Connecticut, opening a five-game homestand, shot 47.5 percent from the field (29-of-61) while holding Minnesota to only 35 percent (25-of-71). The Sun also converted 16 turnovers into 23 points.

Minnesota lost for just the second time in its last six games.