Alyssa Thomas also made history
The Connecticut Sun rode a sensational start offensively to take down the Las Vegas Aces, 105-76, in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Sun avoided elimination with the victory and now trail the best-of-five series, 2-1.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
After not eclipsing more than 71 points in the first two games of the Finals, it’s safe to say the Sun found their offensive groove. So much so, that they broke some Finals records with their offensive performance in the first half.
Connecticut could barely miss in the first quarter, shooting a blistering 82.4% — yes, you read that right — from the floor in the first quarter to build a 34-19 lead after the opening 10 minutes. The shooting percentage was a Finals record for any quarter as the Sun put up video-game-like numbers by sinking 14-of-17 shots in the frame.
It was pristine ball movement that unlocked the Sun’s offense. Connecticut registered 19 assists on 21 baskets in the first half, which set another Finals record for most assists in a half. Alyssa Thomas has made some Finals history, too, which we’ll get to later.
The Sun needed every bit of the incredible and efficient offensive showing to hold off the Aces in the second half.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Thomas delivered a monster triple-double on the elevated stage, the first ever in the history of the Finals. The stat-stuffing forward poured in 16 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists to accomplish the feat. Thomas registered two triple-doubles in the regular season, including the first in Connecticut franchise history.
— Jonquel Jones turned it on in the third quarter, scoring 11 of her team-high 20 points in the stanza. She finished shooting 8-for-12 from the field.
— DeWanna Bonner stepped up for the Sun as well. She tallied 18 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists.
WAGER WATCH
It was tough to see a historic offensive performance coming from the Sun. They easily surpassed the over/under set by DraftKings Sportsbook of 80.5, which had -110 odds. A $100 bet on the Over would have netted bettors a total of $190.91.
UP NEXT
Connecticut faces another must-win situation and has a chance to level the series on Sunday in Game 4 against the Aces. Tipoff from Mohegan Sun Arena is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.