Connecticut Sun Defeat the LA Sparks 85-77.
Tristan Coomey
The Connecticut Sun (8-25) played their final game of the season at TD Garden in front of a packed house, continuing a three-year tradition of bringing a home game to Boston. Connecticut welcomed a new-look Los Angeles Sparks team (12-22) for the second of three meetings between the two sides this season.
The game opened with high-level shotmaking, as the Sun jumped out to an early 11-4 lead behind Diamond Millers quick 5. Los Angeles stayed within striking distance by forcing four turnovers and converting those opportunities into quality looks around the rim.
Connecticut’s offense was nearly flawless in the opening quarter, shooting 80% from the field. Olivia Nelson-Ododa led the way with eight points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting, while Miller added seven points on 3-for-3 shooting as Connecticut leads 27-20 at the first break.
Saniya Rivers came off the bench and provided an instant impact on both ends of the floor, scoring four quick points and recording three steals in her five-minute stint to open the second quarter. Starting center Olivia Nelson-Ododa continued to impose her physicality inside, extending Connecticut’s lead to 42-34 with an impressive and-one finish.
The Sparks struggled offensively throughout the quarter, turning the ball over five times and shooting below 40% from the field. Despite their struggles, Los Angeles remained within striking distance, trailing 45-40 heading into halftime.
The second half opened with a quick 9-0 run from the Sun, forcing Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts to call a timeout just 1:50 into the third quarter. Nneka Ogwumike finally got Los Angeles on the board with a 14-foot jumper before finding Ariel Watkins for a three on the following possession.
Kennedy Burke took over from there, shutting down any potential Sparks run with 13 points in the third quarter alone. Burke knocked down three triples in the period, helping Connecticut build a commanding 72-55 lead heading into the fourth.
Connecticut was all gas and no brakes for the entire second half, extending their lead to as much as 21 in the closing period.
The Sun are on the road for the next matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night. There are just 10 games remaining before the team’s relocation to Houston.