The Connecticut Sun used an impressive fourth quarter to earn a bounce-back win while dismantling the New York Liberty in a 82-63 verdict at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday afternoon.
The Eastern Conference’s second-seeded Sun improved to 17-9 on the campaign while New York fell to 9-16.
Check out a full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Despite being without reigning WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones due to health and safety protocols, the Sun took it to the Liberty in the paint all while shooting just 11 3-pointers in the contest. The Sun scored 40 of their 82 points in the paint with a 39-26 advantage on the glass, including allowing just six offensive boards.
Their prowess in the paint ultimately helped the Sun put together a dominant fourth quarter, as well. Connecticut outscored New York 29-13 in the final 10-minute frame with its strength on the defensive end allowing the Sun to force 18 turnovers and score 14 points off those giveaways.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Brionna Jones was among the biggest reasons Connecticut was able to have its way in the paint. She scored a season-high 21 points (9-for-15 from the field) with eight rebounds while her rating of plus-26 was the best on the team.
— Alyssa Thomas stuffed the stat sheet before she finished with her eighth double-double on the season. Thomas finished with 18 points (7-for-12) to go along with 13 rebounds, six steals and five assists. She was one of three players who recorded a rating of plus-21 or better (DeWanna Bonner).
— Dijonai Carrington was crucial off the bench for the Sun as she scored a career-high 18 points in 18 minutes. Carrington hit a pair of 3-pointers while shooting 5-for-7 from the field and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.
WAGER WATCH
Connecticut entered the contest as an 8.5-point favorite and was able to cover the spread easily given its late run against the Liberty.
ON DECK AT NESN
The Sun will return to action against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday with tipoff set for 8 p.m. ET. You can watch Friday’s game on NESN+ with NESN 360.
