CT Sun Wrap: Second-Half Effort Leads Sun To 77-64 Win Vs. Mercury

The Connecticut Sun beat the Phoenix Mercury, 77-64, at Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday night. The night was also commemorated with a moment of silence for Brittney Griner, who received a nine-year prison sentence from the Russian government on the same night.

The win moved the Sun up to 22-10 on the season, and the Mercury dropped to 13-19.

You can check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Sun appeared to have trouble with the Mercury’s 2-3 zone defense in the first half. However, Connecticut stepped up its defense in the second half, holding Phoenix to 3-for-20 from the field in the third quarter.

The Sun outscored the Mercury, 32-19, in the second half, as three players scored in double figures for Connecticut. The Sun also dominated on the glass, outrebounding the Mercury, 54-29, including 21 offensive rebounds, to help control the tempo in Connecticut’s favor.

STARS OF THE GAME
— Jonquel Jones led the Sun in scoring with 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds for a double-double. The reigning-WNBA MVP shot 3-for-7 from the floor and 7-for-9 from the charity stripe.

— Brionna Jones was, once again, a key contributor in a reserve role. Brionna Jones tied Jonquel Jones with five offensive rebounds and was one rebound short of a double-double of her own. Brionna Jones scored 13 points off the bench.

— Skylar Diggins-Smith scored a game-high 16 points, in the absence of Diana Taurasi, who was out due to a right quad injury. The Mercury guard shot 5-for-15 from the floor, 1-for-3 from the 3-point line and 5-for-8 from the free-throw line to go along with two blocked shots in the losing effort against Connecticut.

WAGER WATCH
The Sun closed as 12-point favorites over the Mercury on DraftKings Sportsbook. A $100 bet on Connecticut to cover the spread would have paid out $190.91.

UP NEXT
The Sun head to Wintrust Arena on Sunday to take on the Chicago Sky. Tipoff is scheduled at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. Connecticut returns to NESN+ on Tuesday when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Sparks. Tipoff for that contest is slated for 10:30 p.m. ET.