WNBA Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun Defeat Washington Mystics, 80-74, in Home Opener

Published on May 21, 2023 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Connecticut Sun News Release


Uncasville, CT - Today, the Connecticut Sun (2-0) defeated the Washington Mystics (1-1), 80-74, in their 2023 home opener.

The Sun were led by Bonner for the second straight game, who tallied a season-high 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win.

The Mystics jumped out to a 24-14 lead over the Sun after the first quarter of action. The Sun struggled from the floor in the opening ten minutes shooting just 27.8% (5-18), while the Mystics went 47.1% (8-17) from the field. Tiffany Hayes led Connecticut in scoring in the first with six points.

Connecticut found their offensive intensity in the second, outscoring Washington, 20-14 in the quarter, to trail by just four at the half, 38-34. Bonner tallied ten of her 21 points in the second quarter to lead the Sun heading into the locker room. Brionna Jones picked up a crucial third foul with 5:32 remaining in the first half to sideline her until after the break.

The third quarter belonged to the Sun as they outscored the Mystics, 23-20, to cut the lead to one, 58-57, heading into the fourth. Jones and Alyssa Thomas each tallied five points in the third quarter to lead the Sun in scoring out of the locker room.

The Sun opened up the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run to take a 67-60 lead with 5:59 remaining in the contest. The Mystics responded on a quick 5-0 spurt to cut into the Sun's lead, 67-65, with 4:00 to go in the game. However, Connecticut finished the game on a 13-9 run and secured their second straight victory.

Washington was led by Shakira Austin, who notched 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one block.

Connecticut shot 25-68 (36.8%) from the floor, while Washington went 27-69 (39.1%) from the field.

Sun Notes:

With 10 rebounds in today's game, Brionna Jones surpassed the 700 career-rebound mark (705).

With six rebounds in today's game, Rebecca Allen surpassed the 400 career-rebound mark (403).

Alyssa Thomas grabbed a season-high 16 rebounds, two shy of her career-high (18).

Alyssa Thomas notched her second straight double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds.

The Sun notched a season-high in points (80), rebounds (46) and assists (17).

The Sun had the advantage in second-chance points in today's win, 14-4.

Team Score Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 PTS REB AST

CON 80 14 20 23 23 Bonner- 21 Thomas- 16 Thomas- 6

WAS 74 24 14 20 16 Austin- 21 Delle Donne & Austin- 11 Cloud- 6

NEXT GAME: The Connecticut Sun travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Mystics once again on Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 PM EST.

Check out the Connecticut Sun Statistics

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