By Laura Soukkavong –
The Connecticut Sun showed significantly more fight and cohesion in their home opener against the Seattle Storm than they did in their season opener against New York. Despite the 89-82 loss, Connecticut displayed toughness, improved chemistry, stronger rebounding, and stretches of high-level defensive intensity that kept the game competitive deep into the fourth quarter. The performance also highlighted the continued growth of the team’s younger core alongside veteran leadership from Brittney Griner.
What the Sun did right
One of the biggest positives for Connecticut was the team’s energy and response after falling behind early. Unlike the opener against New York where the game got away quickly, the Sun battled back multiple times and even carried a seven-point lead into halftime after dominating the second quarter. Connecticut’s ability to adjust defensively and create momentum through rebounding and second-chance opportunities was a major improvement.
The Sun were especially effective crashing the boards and controlling the paint. Connecticut outrebounded Seattle 41-32 and dominated second chance points 17-5, showing far more physicality and aggressiveness around the basket. Aneesah Morrow’s activity on the glass helped fuel several extra possessions that kept Connecticut within striking distance throughout the game.
Another encouraging sign was Connecticut’s defensive pressure early in the contest. The Sun forced turnovers, generated steals, and disrupted Seattle’s rhythm during key stretches. Connecticut also showed improved ball security, avoiding careless mistakes early and limiting Seattle’s ability to capitalize defensively in the first half.
The Sun’s offensive balance was another positive. Multiple players contributed scoring throughout the game, and Connecticut consistently found ways to respond whenever Seattle attempted to create separation. Hailey Van Lith provided a spark off the bench, Kennedy Burke contributed across multiple categories, and Diamond Miller continued attacking confidently offensively.
Connecticut also showed resilience late in the game. Even after Seattle’s third-quarter scoring run threatened to pull the game away, the Sun regrouped and cut the deficit back down to two entering the fourth quarter. The ability to recover from adversity and stay competitive against a veteran Storm team was an encouraging development for a young roster still building chemistry.
What needs work
While the effort level improved considerably, several issues continue to hurt Connecticut during critical stretches.
The biggest problem was the third quarter collapse. After entering halftime with momentum and a seven-point lead, the Sun struggled offensively and defensively for much of the third frame. Seattle’s perimeter shooting completely shifted the game, particularly during Lexie Brown’s scoring burst from beyond the arc. Connecticut struggled rotating defensively and contesting shooters during that stretch, allowing Seattle to quickly regain momentum.
The Sun also continue to have issues defending without fouling. Seattle attempted 33 free throws compared to Connecticut’s 22, and that difference became critical late in the fourth quarter. Many of the Storm’s final points came from the free throw line after the Sun were forced into foul situations trying to extend the game.
Transition defense remains another area needing improvement. Seattle outscored Connecticut 19-7 in fast break points, exposing moments where the Sun failed to recover defensively after missed shots or turnovers. Against experienced teams, those easy transition baskets quickly change momentum.
Connecticut also still needs more consistent offensive execution late in games. While the team battled throughout the night, there were stretches where the offense became stagnant, especially during Seattle’s third-quarter run. Better spacing, quicker ball movement, and improved shot selection in pressure moments will be important moving forward.
Another area to monitor is maintaining defensive intensity for a full 40 minutes. The Sun showed they can defend at a high level in stretches, but experienced teams like Seattle capitalize quickly when focus slips, particularly from three-point range.
Top three Sun players and their impact
1. Aneesah Morrow
Morrow delivered arguably the most impactful performance of the night for Connecticut, recording 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Her energy completely changed the flow of the game at multiple points. She attacked the glass relentlessly, created second-chance opportunities, and showed confidence offensively both inside and from the perimeter.
Morrow’s ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting while still dominating physically inside gives Connecticut tremendous versatility. Beyond the numbers, her effort level stood out throughout the game. She consistently played with aggression, helped spark scoring runs, and gave the Sun much-needed toughness in the frontcourt. Her rebounding was one of the biggest reasons Connecticut stayed competitive throughout the night.
2. Brittney Griner
Griner continued to provide veteran leadership and stability, finishing with 16 points while controlling the interior for stretches of the game. Her presence in the paint helped Connecticut establish an inside scoring identity, especially during the second quarter when the Sun erased Seattle’s lead.
Beyond scoring, Griner’s size and experience forced Seattle to adjust defensively and created opportunities for teammates around her. She also contributed to Connecticut’s strong paint production and second-chance scoring. In key moments when the offense stalled, Griner remained one of the most reliable options for Connecticut offensively.
Her leadership and composure continue to be valuable for a roster featuring several young players adjusting to expanded roles early in the season.
3. Kennedy Burke
Burke quietly put together one of the most complete performances of the night, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Her versatility impacted the game on both ends of the floor. She defended multiple positions, helped facilitate the offense, and came through with several key baskets during momentum swings.
Burke’s ability to contribute without forcing offense helped stabilize Connecticut throughout the game. She attacked the rim effectively, moved the ball well, and stayed active defensively. Her reverse layup early in the fourth quarter helped tie the game and keep Connecticut within reach during the final minutes.
The combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from Burke gives the Sun another important two-way contributor as the team continues building chemistry.
Overall takeaway
Although Connecticut dropped to 0-2, this performance showed clear progress compared to the season opener. The Sun competed with more confidence, played more physical basketball, and showed they can challenge experienced teams when their defensive energy and rebounding are consistent.
The young core continues to flash significant potential, particularly Morrow, Miller, Van Lith, and Rivers, while veterans like Griner continue helping steady the group. If Connecticut can improve perimeter defense, limit foul trouble, and sustain offensive execution for four full quarters, the Sun appear capable of becoming a far more competitive team as the season progresses.