Uncasville, CT September 22, 2024, The Connecticut Sun opened their 2024 WNBA playoff with a decisive 93-69 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 1 of the First Round. Dominating from start to finish, the Sun are now one win away from advancing to the WNBA Semifinals, having beaten the Fever four times this season.
The win showcased Connecticut’s offensive firepower, and physicality and aggressiveness in the lockdown defense. Marina Mabrey delivered a stunning performance off the bench, leading the Sun with 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes. Her 27 points set a WNBA postseason record for the most points scored by a player coming off the bench, with 20 of those points coming in the second half. “I just wanted to come in, stay aggressive, and help the team however I could,” Mabrey said after the game. Connecticut’s Engine, Alyssa Thomas, continues to make history. She recorded her fourth postseason triple-double, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. This marked her 15th career triple-double overall and second of the season against the Fever. “I’ve been waiting for the playoffs all season, were ready for the playoffs.” Big Bucket Bonner got off to a hot start, scoring 10 of her 22 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for the Sun’s early lead. Connecticut led 23-20 after the first quarter and never looked back, pulling away in the second half.
Photo By: Connecticut Sun
The Sun closed the first half on a 12-2 run, turning a two-point deficit into a 46-38 lead at the break. They extended their advantage in the third quarter, building a lead as large as 15 points. Although Indiana trimmed the deficit to 11 heading into the fourth, the Sun’s 13-3 run to open the final quarter put the game out of reach.
Connecticut’s dominance was evident across the stat sheet. The Sun shot 49.3% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, while the Fever struggled from deep, shooting just 21.4%. The Sun’s defensive intensity in the fourth quarter sealed the game, as they held Indiana to just 12 points in the final frame. Coach Stephanie White said, “everyone contributed, have a positive impact, everyone was ready to go, and stepped up and that’s what it’s going to take”.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 21 points and five assists in her WNBA postseason debut, while Aliyah Boston added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Indiana’s coach, Christie Sides, acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles after the game, saying, “We must be better defensively. Mitchell added, “All 12 of us have to be more aggressive.” Game 2 is Wednesday September 22nd at 730pm.
