Photo Credit Tammy McManaway
By DJ Harding-
The Connecticut Sun faced the Chicago Sky in what was the first of four matchups this season.
The Sun returned home after a three game road trip which included three wins and an unfortunate Brionna Jones injury.
“We are going to miss her but it’s part of the game so we have to do our best to keep going.” Natisha Hiedman said pregame.
Chicago unlike Connecticut comes in on a current five game losing streak with a record of 5-8 while the Sun were 11-3 before Sunday’s game.
For a certain Chicago player Courtney Williams this was her first time back in Connecticut since leaving the team in the past offseason.
Williams had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the homecoming.
Tyasha Harris said pregame “despite their struggles this is a tough league where any team can win on any day so we can’t take them lightly.”
Harris had a point as the Sky took the lead early at one being up 14 to 11. The Sun bounced back and by the end of the first quarter the Sun would have a 27-26 lead behind 10 points from DeWanna Bonner.
Bonner ended the night with 26 points which led the Sun along with 8 rebounds.
Connecticut capitalized on their lead from the first quarter and extended it going up to 12 with the score at 54-42.
Despite being down, Kahleah Copper of the Chicago Sky led all scorers with 15 points.
Copper finished the night with 29 points which led all scorers.
Alyssa Thomas by halftime was closing in on another triple double as she leads the WNBA. Thomas at the half had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Thomas went on to achieve triple double status which gives her two this season and now four in regular season history making her the WNBA all time leader.
Thomas record setting performances came with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Connecticut ended the third quarter with a DeWanna Bonner buzzer beating three to give them a 77-63 lead.
The Sun would finish the game with a 96-72 win. Connecticut now has a record of 12-3 while Chicago falls to 5-9.
“Our energy was good and we’re getting contributions from everyone.” Coach Stephanie White said in a statement postgame.
Connecticut saw big performances from players besides Bonner and Thomas with Tiffany Hayes, Natisha Hiedeman, and DiJonai Carrington.
Carrington scored 17 points which was second highest on the Sun team tonight. Carrington also had 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Hiedeman ended the night with 14 points and 5 assists while Hayes notched 11 points fighting through injury as she was poked in the eye twice.
Connecticut will return to action on their home flier Tuesday taking on the New York Liberty with tip off scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.