May 19, 2023 – Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – Connecticut Sun News Release
Indianapolis, IN – Tonight, the Connecticut Sun defeated the Indiana Fever, 70-61, in their 2023 season opener.
The Sun were led by Alyssa Thomas, who tallied a double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Connecticut Sun had a hot start to their season, starting the game on a 9-1 run going into the first timeout with 4:41 remaining in the first quarter. The Sun closed the first quarter, 19-10. Thomas led all scorers with seven points, while DeWanna Bonner chipped in four rebounds.
The Indiana Fever went on a 9-0 run during the second quarter, bringing the score within 5 points. However, back-to-back threes by Natisha Hiedeman with three minutes left in the 2nd quarter brought the Sun the necessary momentum to finish the quarter on a 15-8 run. Connecticut finished the half, up 35-28. Thomas led the Sun with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal.
The Sun lead the Fever 58-43 to finish the third quarter. Bonner had an explosive third frame, tallying nine points; closely followed by Brionna Jones’ seven-point third quarter effort.
The Sun lost the 4th quarter 18-12, behind a fourth quarter push by Fever rookie, Aliyah Boston. The Fever went on a 21-6 run throughout the fourth to bring the game within three points, with 2:23 left to go. However, the Sun withheld the surge, completing an 8-0 run to come out with the 70-61 victory.
Indiana was led by Kelsey Mitchell who notched 20 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Connecticut shot 31.8% (21-66) from the field, while holding Indiana to 33.3% (22-66) from the floor. The Sun lead in fast break points (13-7), second chance points (13-8), and points in the paint (32-26); while Indiana led in bench points (17-8).
Team Score Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 PTS REB AST
CON 70 19 16 23 12 DeWanna Bonner – 19 Alyssa Thomas – 11 Alyssa Thomas – 6
IND 61 10 18 15 18 Kelsey Mitchell – 20 NaLyssa Smith – 9 Erica Wheeler – 5
NEXT GAME: The Connecticut Sun return to Connecticut for their 2023 Home Opener against the Washington Mystics on Sunday, May 21 at 1:00 PM EST in Uncasville, CT.
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