Alyssa Thomas delivered a standout performance, contributing 19 points and 13 assists as the Connecticut Sun defeated the Indiana Fever 87-81, successfully sweeping the opening round of the playoffs at home.
This win marks a significant achievement for the Sun, who have previously had to fight through a decisive third game on the road to advance in the playoffs since the league altered its format in 2022. This time, they secured the series at home, capitalizing on their advantage.
The third-seeded Sun will move on to face the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals starting Sunday.
Aliyah Boston added to the Sun’s success with 16 points and an impressive 19 rebounds. Late in the game, her layup briefly gave the Fever a 77-75 lead. However, DeWanna Bonner responded quickly, hitting a three-pointer just 14 seconds later, regaining the lead for Connecticut.
The closing moments of the game featured several crucial plays. Marina Mabrey’s three-pointer with 45.5 seconds remaining extended the Sun’s lead to 81-77. The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell missed a crucial three-point attempt on the following possession, allowing the Sun to secure the win at the foul line.
After trailing by seven at halftime, the Fever opened the third quarter with a strong push, scoring the first seven points to tie the game. The teams exchanged baskets until Lexie Hull’s layup gave Indiana a brief 48-47 lead. However, Thomas took charge, scoring 10 points during a 14-4 run that closed out the quarter in favor of Connecticut.
Caitlin Clark helped the Fever regain momentum with a three-pointer, putting them ahead 71-70 with just under four minutes left. The teams continued to trade baskets until Bonner’s critical three-pointer shifted the game back in favor of the Sun.
The Fever started strong, leading 14-6 before the Sun scored 11 unanswered points to close the first quarter with a three-point advantage. In an unusual incident during the first quarter, Clark pointed out a fan to officials, resulting in the individual being escorted out but later returning without further issues.
The Sun began the second quarter with a strong layup from Kelsey Carrington, pushing their lead to 26-16. They maintained a 41-34 advantage at halftime. Carrington was recognized before the game for her achievement as the league’s Most Improved Player.
In a concerning moment just before halftime, Indiana’s Erica Wheeler attempted a layup that led her to collide with courtside photographers. She was down for a few moments before returning to the locker room for evaluation and did not return for the second half. Clark ended the first half with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
The Sun played without starting guard Tyasha Harris, who suffered an ankle injury in their previous game, prompting Mabrey to step into the starting lineup.
