Sun Overcome Six-Point Deficit in the Fourth to Seal Their 12th Home Win!
Uncasville, CT (August 23, 2024) – In a thrilling contest, the Connecticut Sun (21-7) narrowly edged out the Chicago Sky (11-17) with an 82-80 victory, extending their dominance over the Sky to 3-0 during the 2024 regular season. The two teams are set to clash one final time on September 19 in Connecticut.
Marina Mabrey spearheaded the Sun’s offense and had herself a game, pouring in 24 points alongside three rebounds, one assist, and one steal against her former team. Her performance marked her highest-scoring game in a Sun uniform this season and her seventh game surpassing the 20-point mark in 2024. Mabrey’s scoring was crucial in keeping Connecticut within striking distance throughout the game. She said post-game being a part of a read and react offense and everyone is unselfish makes it easier to jump right in.
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner also contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Alyssa Thomas, known for her all-around game, flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and one block. Thomas also displayed her clutch gene, sinking the two game-winning free throws with just 4.1 seconds remaining, sealing the Sun’s narrow victory.
Despite the win, the Sun struggled from the field, shooting only 36.8% for the second consecutive game. The Sky, on the other hand, shot a more efficient 44.6% but was only 33.3% from beyond the arc. However, Connecticut managed to capitalize on their opportunities, winning the fast break battle (18-17) and outscoring Chicago’s bench (30-11).
Chicago had their own standout performances, with Chennedy Carter leading the way with 19 points. Rookie center Kamilla Cardoso had a breakout game, scoring a career-high 18 points while adding six rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Angel Reese, another rookie, was a force on the boards, pulling down 20 rebounds— the most by any player against the Sun this season.
Though the Sky outperformed Connecticut in the paint (42-34) and in second-chance points (11-7), their efforts fell just short. Chicago also won the rebounding battle, 42-30, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Sun’s resilience in the closing moments. Coach White said the team rest sleep and recover a head of tonight’s matchup against the New York Liberty at 7pm.