Connecticut Sun Pick Up Second-Straight Victory Against The Washington Mystics, 88-81
May 23, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Connecticut Sun News Release
The Sun remain undefeated on the season (3-0) Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2023)- Tonight, the Connecticut Sun (3-0) defeated the Washington Mystics (1-2), 88-81, in their second matchup of the season.
The Sun were led by Alyssa Thomas who tallied her fifth-straight double-double dating back to the 2022 season, with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Mystics jumped out to an early 14-9 lead five minutes into the contest. However, the Sun responded with a 12-3 run to finish the quarter, taking a 21-17 lead into the second. Thomas led all scorers with eight points after ten minutes of action.
The Sun dropped the second quarter to the Mystics, 25-22, taking just a one-point lead into halftime, 43-42. Thomas led the Sun with six points, one rebound, two assists and one steal in the quarter. Natisha Hiedeman added four points and one steal, while Tiffany Hayes, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Ty Harris each added three points in the second.
Connecticut outscored Washington, 20-17, in the third quarter to extend their lead back up to four, 63-59, heading into the fourth. DeWanna Bonner tallied seven points of her 15 points to lead Sun scorers out of the locker room.
The Sun continued to push pace offensively in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mystics, 25-22, to put away the game, 88-81. After having a slow start on the offensive end, Brionna Jones notched eight points, including her first three-point field goal since the 2020 season, to lead the Sun in the fourth.
Washington was led by Elena Delle Donne who tallied a season-high 27 points, along with seven rebounds, four assists and one block in the effort.
Connecticut shot a season-high 47.5% (29-61), while holding Washington to 41.5% (27-65) from the field on the night. The Sun dominated the paint, outscoring the Mystics, 40-26.
Sun Notes:
* Tiffany Hayes dished out a career-high tying eight assists. * All five Sun starters finished in double figures for the first time this season. * The Sun finished with season-highs in points (88), assists (21) and three-point field goals (8). * DeWanna Bonner moved into 18th all-time in games played in league history, tying Tully Bevilaqua (425). * With one block in tonight's game, Brionna Jones moved into 13th all-time in blocked shots in Connecticut Sun history, tying Brooke Wyckoff (61). * Natisha Hiedeman eclipsed 800 career-points tonight with 13 points in the win (804). * DeWanna Bonner now has 191 15+ point performances, tying Nneka Ogwumike for 14th most in WNBA history.
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