UNCASVILLE, CONN. – After trading runs throughout the night, the Seattle Storm (5-4) stumbled at Mohegan Sun Arena as the Connecticut Sun (8-1) pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to secure an 81-67 victory.
Natasha Howard finished with a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds, with 11 points in the first quarter. Following a timeout at 3:34, the Sun went on a 13-3 run to finish out the first 10 minutes of play with an 11-point lead.
Shavonte Zellous and Sami Whitcomb helped the Storm get within two of the Sun as Seattle started the second quarter with a 9-0 run. However, Connecticut responded with a 14-3 stretch to push the lead back to double-digits to end the half.
Seattle went on a 12-0 run out of the break before Jonquel Jones hit a three-pointer to snap the Sun’s four-minute scoreless spell. Jewell Loyd poured in 11 points in the third, including six consecutive points and three steals at the 7:29 mark to bring the Storm within two of the Sun.
Connecticut took control in the fourth shooting 61.1 percent and went on an 18-5 run leading to a game-high 17-point lead with under a minute remaining. Alyssa Thomas finished the night with 20 points and eight rebounds, whileJonquel Jones recorded her sixth season double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The two contributed combined for 16 points in the fourth quarter as the Sun claimed an 81-67 victory.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- The Storm and Connecticut traded runs throughout the game: Seattle started off the third quarter with a 12-0 run to briefly take the lead; however, Connecticut’s resilient offense, fueled by Alyssa Thomas, put together a 18-5 run at the top of the final frame.
KEY STATS OF THE GAME
- With 11 of the team’s 21 points, Jewell Loyd and the Storm rallied to outscore Connecticut 21-12 in the third quarter.
- After entering the final frame with a one-possession lead, Connecticut kicked off the fourth quarter with a 14-4 run and led by as many as 17.
SEATTLE HIGHLIGHTS
- Following a career-high night in scoring, Natasha Howardstarted hot against Connecticut, logging 11 of the Storm’s 17 points in the first quarter. She finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds, marking her fifth 20-point effort this season. Howard cracked the 20-point threshold three times in her 2018 WNBA Most Improved campaign.
- Shavonte Zellouscame off the bench to score a season-high 14 points for the Storm, including eight in the second quarter. It marked her highest point total since July 11 last season (also 14 points at Connecticut).
- Seattle went on a 12-0 run to start the third quarter before Jonquel Joneshit a three-pointer to break the Sun’s four-minute scoreless spell.
- Jewell Loydfinished with 15 points, 11 of which came in the third quarter along with three steals to help fuel the Storm surge. As a team, the Storm forced nine turnovers in the third quarter that translated to 12 points.
- Jordin Canadawas not with the team after sustaining a bone bruise in her left knee in the Storm’s win over the Mystics. With Sue Bird also sidelined, Blake Dietrick made her first career start. In the 23 minutes that she was on the floor, the Storm held even with the Sun.
- After allowing 14 points on nine turnovers in the first 20 minutes of play, Seattle settled down, allowing six points off six turnovers in the second half.
- Seattle outscored Connecticut 21-12 in the third quarter, forcing nine turnovers that lead to 12 points.
CONNECTICUT HIGHLIGHTS
- Alyssa Thomasled Connecticut in scoring with 20 points, her second game this year with 20+ points. The forward shot 9-of-13 shooting from the field and matched a season-high of three steals and four offensive rebounds.
- With the win, the Sun improved to 8-1 on the season, tying the best start in franchise history, also accomplished in 2008. The Sun started 7-1 three other times in franchise history.
- The Sun’s victory also marked the 12thconsecutive victory at Mohegan Sun Arena for the Sun, setting a franchise record. The previous record of 11 was accomplished spanning the end of the 2004 and start of 2005 seasons.
- Shekinna Stricklen finished Sunday’s game with 16 points, tying her season-high. Stricklen had a season-high of three steals, six field-goals made and 11 field-goal attempts. The forward also tied a season high of four made three-point field-goals.
- Jonquel Jonesrecorded the 30th double-double of her career, and sixth of the season, in the win, recording 13 points and 11 rebounds. Jones also collected a season high of six assists.
- Rookie Kristine Anigwehad a career-high of six points, three rebounds and a steal against the Storm. The forward also marked a career high with two field goals and four field goal attempts. It was a career-high 12 minutes of action for the rookie.
- Connecticut outscored Seattle 25-13 in the final frame after a 18-5 run to start the quarter.
NEXT GAME
Seattle returns home to Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, June 21 for ‘SUEperhero Night’ at 7:30 p.m./PT on CBS Sports Network.