Rested and ready, the Connecticut Sun could be set for a strong surge prior to the All-Star break.
The Sun host the short-handed Washington Mystics on Sunday afternoon at Uncasville, Conn.
“Be disciplined in terms of our activity level, ball pressure, point of attack on screens,” Connecticut coach Stephanie White said.
The Sun (13-5) snapped their first losing skid of the season by thumping visiting Seattle 93-73 on Thursday night. That was the only game for Connecticut since July 1, so the rest and practice time might be paying off for the Sun.
“Whenever we’re home, it always energizes us,” forward Alyssa Thomas said.
The Mystics (10-7) have won just two of their last five games, but they’re coming off a strong outing. Washington built a 15-point halftime lead on the way to Friday night’s 96-88 home victory against the Indiana Fever.
Only eight players saw action for the Mystics, including new arrival Queen Egbo. Star forward Elena Delle Donne has been out with an ankle injury.
Egbo, who was traded from Indiana, provided three points and two rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench in her Mystics debut.
“It definitely has been different,” Egbo said. “It has been stressful. It has been exciting. It has been kind of a rebirth for me, just getting to know all the girls. Just trying to make good impressions on people.”
Connecticut won 80-74 at Washington on May 21 in the first meeting of the season and repeated that success two days later with an 88-81 triumph at home.
Washington’s Shakira Austin had 21 points in the first clash, but she has missed the past four games with a hip injury. Ariel Atkins has provided a boost, notching her first career double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds Friday night.
For Connecticut, DeWanna Bonner is trying to provide another element at the offensive end. She has emphasized perimeter shooting. She drained three 3-pointers in Thursday’s win.
“I worked really hard on my 3-point shot,” Bonner said. “That was the focus to improve.”
–Field Level Media
