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Mohegan – The Connecticut Sun started their 2021 WNBA season on May 14 at the Atlanta Dream without starters Jasmine Thomas (overseas engagements) and Alyssa Thomas, the latter reportedly lost for the year after tearing themselves apart Achilles tendon on January 12.
Connecticut won that night.
Along the way, the Sun have resisted the absences of Briann January, Jonquel Jones and head coach Curt Miller due to injuries, overseas engagements, suspensions or personal issues.
Connecticut came full circle Sunday afternoon with an 84-64 victory over the Dream and finished the most consecutive regular season in franchise history before 4,724 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Sun finished 26-6 to tie the franchise’s winning record set in 2005 and 2006. Their six losses and their winning percentage of .813 are also franchise records.
Connecticut also extended its franchise record of 14 straight wins, the longest winning streak at the end of the regular season in WNBA history. He also finished best in the league 15-1 at home.
“Extremely proud,” said Sun head coach Curt Miller. “I’m really touched to see these players approach every day. The consistency they bring to practice. The consistency they bring on game night and number one, their ability to prepare. is just exceptional.
“Just a remarkable race. I couldn’t be prouder as a coach. (A) really special group.
The Sun will be the WNBA playoff seed and receive a double pass to the best-of-five semifinals where they play the lowest seed remaining. Games 1 and 2 will be held at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 26 and 28 at 8 p.m.
“I wouldn’t say anything (was) surprising,” said Brionna Jones of Connecticut of the team’s fantastic regular season. “We see what happens in training every day and how hard we work.
“I think even though we were missing a few people here and there, everyone got involved when needed and that’s the beauty of our team. It can be anyone, any night. I think that’s what makes us hard to keep. This is what made our success this season.
Sun’s 11 players have scored three double-digit goals. Jonquel Jones made a final case for league MVP honors by scoring 15 with a record 10 rebounds and two blocks. She also averaged a league-high 11.2 rebounds.
Brionna Jones had 15 points, 11 rebounds and three steals while reserve Natisha Hiedeman scored 16.
Alyssa Thomas also played her second game after returning last Wednesday. She played 18 minutes off the bench and had five points and seven rebounds.
Courtney Williams scored a record 18 with four rebounds and four assists for Atlanta (8-24).
Connecticut had a nervous moment at the start when starter DeWanna Bonner had to leave 1 minute and 49 seconds into the game and walked carefully to the back. It was later learned that she suffered from tightness in her back. She returned later and watched the rest of the game from the bench.
“She said she’s looser already,” Miller said. “She’s had back spasms, she’s had back tightness recently. It just has it cramped.
Jonquel Jones’ three gave the Sun an 8-6 lead at just 2:29 of the game they never gave up.
Reserve Beatrice Mompremier gave Connecticut their biggest lead, 84-62, on a layup with 59.8 seconds left.
Jasmine Thomas honored
Thomas received the first Gladys Tantaquidgeon award after the game by the Mohegan Tribe in honor of his leadership, positivity and charitable work.
Thomas collaborated this season with Sharing Shoes, a charity that collects new and lightly used basketball shoes for underserved athletes. The shoes were picked up from games by fans, and other teams brought shoes they picked up when they came to play in Connecticut.
Thomas has also been active with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
“I am very honored to win this award,” said Thomas. “(The Tribe) really adopted us as part of their family. People forget that this is who we play for. We play for the Tribe. This year more than ever, they made us discover some of their traditions and we appreciate them very much.
“I’m grateful. I love them. They’re part of my family now.
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