In a much-anticipated WNBA showdown on Friday night, June 6, 2025, the Connecticut Sun finally broke their home ice with an 84-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream at the Mohegan Sun Arena. This win marked the Sun’s first home triumph of the season, a significant milestone for a team struggling to find its footing in the 2025 campaign.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Marina Mabrey, who exploded for a season-high 34 points. Mabrey was a force from the field, connecting on 13 of 22 shots, including 3 of 8 from beyond the arc, and converting 5 of 6 free throws. This performance was Mabrey’s fourth career 30-point game and came tantalizingly close to her personal best of 36 points, set against Indiana on June 15, 2023.
Mabrey’s scoring outburst was pivotal in the Sun’s offensive production, especially during a critical stretch opening the third quarter. Connecticut surged ahead with a 12-2 run, carving out a 48-37 lead that set the tone for the rest of the game. By the 2:40 mark of the third quarter, the Sun held a commanding 58-45 advantage. However, the Dream showed resilience, mounting a 16-4 run capped by Rhyne Howard’s buzzer-beating three-pointer that narrowed the deficit to 62-61 heading into the final quarter.
Despite Atlanta’s rally, the Dream struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter, managing only one field goal in the opening five minutes. The Sun capitalized on this drought, extending their lead to 71-64 and ultimately securing the win. Tina Charles was instrumental down the stretch, contributing 19 points overall, with seven coming in the crucial last six minutes. Bria Hartley added a solid 11 points, while rookie Saniya Rivers made a defensive impact with three steals and two blocks, underscoring the Sun’s balanced team effort.
Connecticut’s lineup was not without challenges. Olivia Nelson-Ododa was sidelined for the second half due to an ankle injury, a setback for the Sun’s frontcourt depth. Nevertheless, the starters combined for an impressive 75 points, demonstrating the team’s offensive potential when firing on all cylinders.
On the other side, the Atlanta Dream, who entered the game with a strong 5-3 record, saw standout performances from Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner, each scoring 18 points. Naz Hillmon and Allisha Gray also contributed significantly, with 14 and 11 points respectively. Brionna Jones, making her first appearance at Mohegan Sun Arena since her eight-year tenure with the Sun, recorded seven points and six rebounds, adding a narrative layer to the matchup.
Prior to the game, the Dream were favored by oddsmakers, reflecting their superior 5-2 start to the season and dominant play style. Atlanta led the league in rebounds per game, averaging nearly 40, with Jones and Griner anchoring their rebounding prowess. Their ability to limit second-chance points and excel in transition had been key factors in their success. However, their shooting percentages were average, and inconsistency from the three-point line was noted as a potential vulnerability.
The Sun’s early-season struggles were well documented. Before this victory, they had a 1-6 record, with offensive woes highlighted by their low scoring outputs and poor shooting percentages. They ranked last in rebounding and were near the bottom in both three-point and field goal percentages, compounded by a high turnover rate. Injuries to key players Lindsay Allen and Leila Lacan further hampered their efforts.
In the buildup to the game, analysts emphasized the uphill battle for the Sun, given the Dream’s offensive weapons and superior record. Rhyne Howard, despite shooting just 27% from three-point range this season, was a player to watch, especially with her increased volume of attempts. Her prop bet for over 3-pointers made was a highlight, considering the Sun’s defensive struggles against the three-point shot, allowing over nine made threes per game.
Marina Mabrey’s inconsistency was also a talking point, as she had only surpassed 15 points in three of seven games prior to this matchup. Her 34-point explosion was therefore a welcome surprise and a sign that the Sun’s offense could ignite under the right circumstances. Brittney Griner’s limited minutes due to recent struggles were noted, yet she still managed to contribute on the boards.
The game also held significance as part of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, with the Dream looking to build on a previous 24-point victory over the Sun earlier in the season. The Sun had suffered a heavy 48-point loss to the New York Liberty in the Cup, casting doubt on their postseason prospects. Despite the odds and prior results, Connecticut’s home victory was a statement that they could compete and disrupt expectations.
Connecticut’s resilience was on display, particularly in how they weathered Atlanta’s third-quarter surge and responded in the fourth quarter with decisive defense and scoring. Tina Charles’s veteran presence and clutch shooting down the stretch were crucial in sealing the win.
As the season progresses, this game could mark a turning point for the Sun, who desperately need to build momentum and confidence. For the Dream, the loss ends a four-game win streak and serves as a reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly, especially on the road.
Looking ahead, the Sun will aim to capitalize on this breakthrough, while the Dream will look to regroup and maintain their position near the top of the standings. Both teams have shown flashes of dominance, but inconsistencies remain that will shape their trajectories in the fiercely competitive 2025 WNBA season.
Ultimately, the Connecticut Sun’s victory over the Atlanta Dream was a hard-fought battle that showcased individual brilliance, team effort, and the unpredictable nature of sports. The Sun’s first home win of the season breathes new life into their campaign, while the Dream will reflect on missed opportunities and the need to sharpen their execution moving forward.
