In a highly anticipated WNBA showdown on Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Phoenix Mercury secured an 83-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun, marking a significant milestone for the Mercury and a tough moment for the Sun. This game was the first meeting of the season between these two teams and showcased a clash of former teammates, emerging stars, and seasoned veterans.
The Mercury, now boasting a 9-4 record, have strung together their first three-game winning streak of the season, snapping a four-game losing streak against Connecticut and ending a six-game losing streak at Mohegan Sun Arena. On the other side, the Sun’s struggles continued as they fell to 2-10, tying their franchise’s worst start to a season, a record previously set in 2016. This loss also marked the first time since 2015 that Connecticut lost a regular-season home game to Phoenix.
Leading the charge for the Mercury was Alyssa Thomas, who delivered a near triple-double performance with 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Thomas, who spent the first 11 years of her career with the Sun and helped them reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022, returned from a five-game absence due to a calf injury and was a dominant force on the court she once called home. Her 11 assists marked the fourth consecutive game with double-digit assists, a first both in her career and in Phoenix Mercury history.
Satou Sabally also had a standout night, contributing 12 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, while Lexi Held added 14 points, Kahleah Copper scored 13, and Kitija Laksa chipped in 11 points. Sabally and Thomas combined to create a formidable defensive front, using their length and physicality to stifle the Sun’s offense and prevent easy penetration into the lane.
The Sun, despite the loss, showed resilience, especially in the latter stages of the game. Rookie Aneesa Morrow led Connecticut with a season-high 16 points and added nine rebounds and two steals, demonstrating her growing importance to the team. Jacy Sheldon was a spark off the bench, hitting three 3-pointers and finishing with 13 points, all scored in the second quarter during a spirited 11-1 run that helped the Sun trim a large deficit. Olivia Nelson-Ododa, a former UConn standout, had a career night with 14 rebounds, 10 points, and three blocks, securing her first double-double of the season.
The game started off poorly for the Sun, who fell into an early 10-0 hole and struggled with their shooting, going 1-for-10 from the field in the opening minutes. Their first field goal came nearly six and a half minutes into the game. The Sun were held to just nine points in the first quarter, shooting a dismal 21 percent. Star guard Marina Mabrey struggled to find her rhythm, going 0-for-6 in the first half, though she later contributed by assisting Sheldon on a fastbreak layup and making three free throws.
Sun head coach Rachid Meziane acknowledged the difficulties faced by his team, citing the back-to-back schedule as a factor in their slow start. “It’s a bit frustrating because I think there was the space to win this game, but we didn’t win,” Meziane said. “We are not a favorite, and so I think that how we compete against this team, it’s a good step up for us. I’ll be optimistic for the next game, because if we are capable of playing like that, I’m sure that the next game can be more positive.”
Connecticut’s young players, particularly their rookies, showed promise. Morrow scored eight points early in the third quarter, helping bring the Sun back within striking distance after Phoenix had taken a 19-point lead. Nelson-Ododa’s presence in the paint was crucial, as she battled Sabally and Thomas for rebounds and challenged shots. The Sun outscored the Mercury 66-61 over the final 30 minutes and out-rebounded them 24-18 in the second half, but they could not overcome the early deficit.
Jacy Sheldon reflected on the team’s effort despite the back-to-back grind: “I think that, especially coming off a back-to-back, that’s hard to do. You saw us fight honestly the whole second half to fight back into the game, and we just came up short. And I think the key to that is starting better. But when we put our 100% effort in, I think we can compete with anybody.”
On the Mercury’s side, their defense was relentless from the start. They pressured the Sun hard, switching effectively on screens and using their length to control the paint and disrupt Connecticut’s offensive flow. The Mercury opened the game with an 8-0 run and maintained control throughout, despite Connecticut’s second-quarter surge featuring Sheldon’s three 3-pointers and Brown’s clutch shots from beyond the arc.
Late in the game, Kahleah Copper hit two important 3-pointers after a slow start, pushing Phoenix’s lead back into double digits with under two minutes remaining and sealing the win. The Mercury’s victory was a testament to their balanced attack and defensive tenacity.
Looking ahead, the Mercury will continue their four-game road trip with a matchup against the New York Liberty on Thursday, June 20. Meanwhile, the Sun will host the Dallas Wings on Sunday, June 23, as they seek to rebound from their tough start and build momentum with their young roster.
Wednesday’s game was more than just a regular-season contest; it was a narrative of a former star facing her old team, a veteran squad asserting its dominance, and a young team battling through adversity. The Mercury’s triumph at Mohegan Sun Arena ended a decade-long drought and provided a glimpse into their potential as a playoff contender, while the Sun’s fight despite the odds hinted at a developing team eager to find its footing.
As the WNBA season unfolds, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this hard-fought game. For Phoenix, maintaining their defensive intensity and balanced scoring will be key, while Connecticut will aim to start games stronger and harness the energy of their promising young talent. The stage is set for an exciting second half of the season for both franchises.
