The excitement was palpable at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, as a sell-out crowd gathered for the highly anticipated 2024 WNBA season opener. With 8,910 enthusiastic fans in attendance, marking the first home opener sellout since 2003, the atmosphere was electric as the Connecticut Sun faced off against the Indiana Fever.
The night was charged with a sense of historical significance and the collective hope for the league’s continued growth. Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White encapsulated the mood perfectly, stating, “It’s about time. The best players in the world have been in this league for about 28 years now. I’m excited. Our league deserves it, our players deserve it.” Coach Christie Sides of the Indiana Fever echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing visibility of the league: “The games are being televised and they are being watched.” This enthusiasm was reflected in the packed arena, which buzzed with anticipation and support.
The game itself did not disappoint. The Connecticut Sun emerged victorious with a decisive 92-71 win, breaking the game open in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Fever 27-14 in the final ten minutes. DeWanna Bonner led the charge for the Sun, scoring 20 points and grabbing six rebounds. Her performance moved her into fifth place on the all-time scoring list in WNBA history, surpassing Candice Dupree with 6,901 career points.
What a moment for Rachel Banham who added 10 points off the bench, who played her first WNBA game 8 years ago May 14th, 2016, and expressed her gratitude for being part of the league’s growth. Brionna Jones, back from an Achilles injury that sidelined her for most of the previous season, contributed eight points, three rebounds, and a block.
Indiana’s Caitlin Clark led her team with 20 points but was hampered by 10 turnovers, a new WNBA debut record. Despite their shooting efficiency of 48% from the floor, the Fever struggled with ball control, committing 25 turnovers.
The Connecticut Sun’s 48.5% shooting and relentless defense underscored their dominant performance. The evening’s sellout crowd and the thrilling game set a high standard for what promises to be an exhilarating WNBA season. The Next matchup is Friday, May 17th, 2024, at 730pm against the Wahington Mystics.
