The Connecticut Sun opened their 2026 WNBA season with a nail-biting 84-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 31. In a game that featured five lead changes in the final quarter alone, the Sun demonstrated the grit that has made them perennial contenders, while the Sparks showed signs of a promising new era under head coach Curt Miller.

First-Half Fireworks

Connecticut came out aggressive, jumping to a 28-21 lead after the first quarter. All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas set the tone early, racking up 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the opening period. However, Los Angeles responded with a balanced attack in the second quarter, led by rookie guard Cameron Brink’s 10 points and veteran forward Dearica Hamby’s physical presence in the paint. The Sparks outscored the Sun 25-18 in the second frame to take a 46-44 lead into halftime.

Second-Half Adjustments

The Sun’s defense tightened after the break, holding Los Angeles to just 15 points in the third quarter. Connecticut’s backcourt duo of Tyasha Harris and DiJonai Carrington combined for 12 points in the period, while Brionna Jones dominated the glass with 6 rebounds. Despite the defensive pressure, the Sparks stayed within striking distance, trailing 66-61 heading into the final quarter.

Clutch Final Minutes

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth thriller. With 3:21 remaining, Los Angeles’ Layshia Clarendon knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 78-78. But Connecticut responded with a 6-0 run, capped by a driving layup from Harris that put the Sun up 84-78 with just 1:02 on the clock. The Sparks refused to quit, trimming the lead to three points on a jumper by Brink with 12 seconds left. However, a missed three-point attempt by Clarendon at the buzzer sealed the 84-81 win for Connecticut.

Key Performances

• Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun): 22 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks – her double-double was the anchor for the Sun’s interior game.
• Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun): 18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists – a near-triple-double performance that showed her All-Star versatility.
• Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks): 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks – the rookie proved why she was the No. 2 overall pick, making an immediate impact on both ends.
• Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks): 16 points, 10 rebounds – a double-double that kept the Sparks competitive throughout.

Team Stats and Season Implications

Connecticut shot 46.3% from the field and outrebounded the Sparks 42-38. The Sun also scored 18 second-chance points, a key factor in the win. Los Angeles, meanwhile, committed 14 turnovers that led to 21 Connecticut points. The Sparks’ bench outscored the Sun’s reserves 28-15, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the home team’s closing surge.

For Connecticut, the victory marks a strong start as they chase a third consecutive WNBA Finals appearance. The Sun’s depth and defensive identity remain intact, with veterans Harris (16 points, 5 assists) and Carrington (12 points, 4 steals) playing crucial roles. Los Angeles, rebuilding around Brink and second-year guard Zia Cooke (10 points), showed promise but will need to tighten their execution in closing moments. Both teams will face each other again on June 12 in Los Angeles, a rematch that already carries early-season weight.