The Connecticut Sun Stifle, led by defensive stalwarts Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, have long been one of the WNBA’s most consistent teams. Their formidable defense was on full display Tuesday night in a 70-47 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, marking the lowest-scoring game in nearly a decade and extending their franchise-best start to 6-0.
Even by their high standards, the Sun’s defensive performance against the Mercury, who entered the game with the fourth-best offense in the league, was extraordinary. Here are the key numbers that defined this historic night in Uncasville.
47 Points: A Historic Low
- In their previous game, the Mercury scored 34 points in the third quarter alone against the Dallas Wings. Against the Sun, they managed just 47 points for the entire game. This is the lowest-scoring game in the WNBA since the San Antonio Stars’ 45-point effort in 2015 against the New York Liberty. It also marks the fewest points the Mercury have scored since a 2012 loss to the then-San Antonio Stars, now known as the Las Vegas Aces.
1/27 from Three-Point Range
- New Mercury head coach Nate Tibbets has emphasized a high-volume three-point shooting approach. The team, which averaged 31.2 attempts per game this season, shot a dismal 1 of 27 from behind the arc against the Sun. The sole three-pointer came from Mikiah Herbert Harrigan in the second quarter. This performance is notable for several reasons:
- First team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022 to make one or fewer three-pointers in a game.
- Fewest three-pointers made in a game with at least 20 attempts in WNBA history.
23.8% Field Goal Percentage
- The Mercury struggled inside the arc as well, shooting just 15 of 63 from the field, translating to 23.8%. This performance included:
- The worst single-game field goal percentage in franchise history.
- Tied for the 11th-worst single-game field goal percentage in WNBA history.
- The first team to shoot under 25% in a game since the Dallas Wings in 2022.
0 Double-Digit Scorers
- No Mercury player reached double figures in scoring, with Natasha Cloud leading the team with just nine points. This marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Mercury failed to have a player in double digits, the last occurrence being in 2013 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Dominant Sun Defense
- The Sun’s defensive effort was instrumental in this historic low. By contesting shots and making the Mercury uncomfortable throughout the game, they reinforced their reputation as one of the league’s top defensive teams.
The Connecticut Sun’s suffocating defense and the Phoenix Mercury’s historic shooting woes combined to produce a memorable and record-setting night. As the Sun Stifle continue their strong start to the season, this game stands as a testament to their defensive capabilities and a warning to future opponents.
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