In a much-anticipated WNBA showdown on Friday evening, June 6, 2025, the Connecticut Sun lastly broke their dwelling ice with an 84-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream on the Mohegan Sun Enviornment. This win marked the Sun’s first dwelling triumph of the season, a big milestone for a workforce struggling to search out its footing within the 2025 marketing campaign.
The star of the evening was undoubtedly Marina Mabrey, who exploded for a season-high 34 factors. Mabrey was a power from the sector, connecting on 13 of twenty-two pictures, together with 3 of 8 from past the arc, and changing 5 of 6 free throws. This efficiency was Mabrey’s fourth profession 30-point recreation and got here tantalizingly near her private better of 36 factors, set towards Indiana on June 15, 2023.
Mabrey’s scoring outburst was pivotal within the Sun’s offensive manufacturing, particularly throughout a vital stretch opening the third quarter. Connecticut surged forward with a 12-2 run, carving out a 48-37 lead that set the tone for the remainder of the sport. By the two:40 mark of the third quarter, the Sun held a commanding 58-45 benefit. Nevertheless, the Dream confirmed resilience, mounting a 16-4 run capped by Rhyne Howard’s buzzer-beating three-pointer that narrowed the deficit to 62-61 heading into the ultimate quarter.
Regardless of Atlanta’s rally, the Dream struggled to keep up momentum within the fourth quarter, managing just one discipline purpose within the opening 5 minutes. The Sun capitalized on this drought, extending their result in 71-64 and finally securing the win. Tina Charles was instrumental down the stretch, contributing 19 factors total, with seven coming within the essential final six minutes. Bria Hartley added a stable 11 factors, whereas rookie Saniya Rivers made a defensive influence with three steals and two blocks, underscoring the Sun’s balanced workforce effort.
Connecticut’s lineup was not with out challenges. Olivia Nelson-Ododa was sidelined for the second half as a result of an ankle harm, a setback for the Sun’s frontcourt depth. However, the starters mixed for a powerful 75 factors, demonstrating the workforce’s offensive potential when firing on all cylinders.
On the opposite facet, the Atlanta Dream, who entered the sport with a powerful 5-3 report, noticed standout performances from Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner, every scoring 18 factors. Naz Hillmon and Allisha Grey additionally contributed considerably, with 14 and 11 factors respectively. Brionna Jones, making her first look at Mohegan Sun Enviornment since her eight-year tenure with the Sun, recorded seven factors and 6 rebounds, including a story layer to the matchup.
Previous to the sport, the Dream had been favored by oddsmakers, reflecting their superior 5-2 begin to the season and dominant play fashion. Atlanta led the league in rebounds per recreation, averaging practically 40, with Jones and Griner anchoring their rebounding prowess. Their capacity to restrict second-chance factors and excel in transition had been key elements of their success. Nevertheless, their taking pictures percentages had been common, and inconsistency from the three-point line was famous as a possible vulnerability.
The Sun’s early-season struggles had been nicely documented. Earlier than this victory, they’d a 1-6 report, with offensive woes highlighted by their low scoring outputs and poor taking pictures percentages. They ranked final in rebounding and had been close to the underside in each three-point and discipline purpose percentages, compounded by a excessive turnover price. Accidents to key gamers Lindsay Allen and Leila Lacan additional hampered their efforts.
Within the buildup to the sport, analysts emphasised the uphill battle for the Sun, given the Dream’s offensive weapons and superior report. Rhyne Howard, regardless of taking pictures simply 27% from three-point vary this season, was a participant to look at, particularly along with her elevated quantity of makes an attempt. Her prop guess for over 3-pointers made was a spotlight, contemplating the Sun’s defensive struggles towards the three-point shot, permitting over 9 made threes per recreation.
Marina Mabrey’s inconsistency was additionally a speaking level, as she had solely surpassed 15 factors in three of seven video games previous to this matchup. Her 34-point explosion was due to this fact a welcome shock and an indication that the Sun’s offense may ignite below the precise circumstances. Brittney Griner’s restricted minutes as a result of latest struggles had been famous, but she nonetheless managed to contribute on the boards.
The sport additionally held significance as a part of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, with the Dream trying to construct on a earlier 24-point victory over the Sun earlier within the season. The Sun had suffered a heavy 48-point loss to the New York Liberty within the Cup, casting doubt on their postseason prospects. Regardless of the percentages and prior outcomes, Connecticut’s dwelling victory was a press release that they may compete and disrupt expectations.
Connecticut’s resilience was on show, significantly in how they weathered Atlanta’s third-quarter surge and responded within the fourth quarter with decisive protection and scoring. Tina Charles’s veteran presence and clutch taking pictures down the stretch had been essential in sealing the win.
Because the season progresses, this recreation may mark a turning level for the Sun, who desperately must construct momentum and confidence. For the Dream, the loss ends a four-game win streak and serves as a reminder that no opponent will be taken evenly, particularly on the street.
Wanting forward, the Sun will goal to capitalize on this breakthrough, whereas the Dream will look to regroup and keep their place close to the highest of the standings. Each groups have proven flashes of dominance, however inconsistencies stay that can form their trajectories within the fiercely aggressive 2025 WNBA season.
Finally, the Connecticut Sun’s victory over the Atlanta Dream was a hard-fought battle that showcased particular person brilliance, workforce effort, and the unpredictable nature of sports activities. The Sun’s first dwelling win of the season breathes new life into their marketing campaign, whereas the Dream will mirror on missed alternatives and the necessity to sharpen their execution shifting ahead.
