July 10, 2026
By Visarion Cika
The Connecticut Sun were back in action at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night looking to bounce back after a hard-fought loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday night. Connecticut (5-17) welcomed the surging Golden State Valkyries (16-7), winners of six consecutive games, as the Sun looked to defend their home court against one of the WNBA’s hottest teams. Despite their record, Connecticut entered the contest having won three of their previous five games, while the Valkyries aimed to extend the longest winning streak in franchise history.
The Connecticut Sun came out blazing hot in the opening quarter, racing to an early 13-4 lead behind the strong play of Aaliyah Edwards and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who made their presence felt on both ends of the floor. Connecticut’s defense set the tone early, holding the Valkyries to just 1-for-7 (14%) shooting from the field while forcing difficult looks throughout the period. Golden State gradually settled into the game, putting together a late run to cut the deficit to just two points. Despite the Valkyries’ surge, the Sun maintained their composure and carried a narrow 19-17 lead into the second quarter.
Golden State responded with a strong second quarter after Connecticut’s fast start, outscoring the Sun 13-6 to take a 30-25 lead into halftime. The Valkyries found their rhythm offensively behind Janelle Salaün, who poured in eight first-half points, while Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense with four assists. Golden State’s bench also proved to be a major difference-maker, outscoring Connecticut’s reserves 17-2 through the first two quarters. The Sun struggled to recapture the offensive flow they established in the opening period, managing just six points in the second quarter. Charlisse Leger-Walker kept Connecticut within striking distance with seven first-half points, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa continued to facilitate the offense with four assists. Despite both teams scoring 18 points in the paint, Connecticut committed 12 turnovers, allowing the Valkyries to capitalize and carry a five-point advantage into the locker room.
The Connecticut Sun opened the third quarter a bit sluggish, but quickly settled in and continued to battle against one of the WNBA’s hottest teams. Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards sparked the Sun with several energetic plays on both ends of the floor, helping Connecticut remain within striking distance despite an inconsistent start. Golden State maintained its composure throughout the quarter, answering every Connecticut run to preserve a comfortable lead. The Sun continued to chip away at the deficit with timely baskets and strong defensive possessions. The Valkyries flipped the pressure back on the Sun, as Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense, while Tiffany Hayes and Kiah Stokes delivered key scoring plays to keep the Valkyries in control. A late 5-0 surge allowed Golden State to push its advantage back to double digits, taking a 54-44 lead into the fourth quarter despite Connecticut’s persistent effort.
Golden State put the game away in the fourth quarter, using a suffocating defensive effort and timely three-point shooting to pull away from Connecticut. After the Sun entered the period trailing by 10, the Valkyries opened the quarter with a decisive run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Kaila Charles and Veronica Burton that extended the lead to 16. Burton continued to control the offense, finishing with 12 points and five assists, while Golden State’s defense held Connecticut scoreless through the opening minutes of the quarter. The Sun continued to compete until the final buzzer, with Olivia Nelson-Ododa leading the way with 12 points and eight rebounds while Leïla Lacan added seven assists. However, Connecticut couldn’t overcome its 20 turnovers or Golden State’s efficient second-half execution. The Valkyries outscored the Sun 25-20 in the fourth quarter to secure a 79-64 victory, extending their winning streak to seven games and handing Connecticut its second consecutive loss.
Connecticut fell to 5-17 on the season. The Connecticut Sun will next host the Portland Fire on Tuesday, July 14th as they look to bounce back.