WNBA: Connecticut Sun Seals a Historic Victory in a Do-or-Die Clash Against Dallas Wings

For the fourth consecutive year, the Connecticut Sun will return to the semifinals. In the decisive Game 3 of their first-round series on Wednesday night, they pulled away from the Dallas Wings in the second half to win 73-58. The Sun will now move on and take on the reigning champion Chicago Sky in a match of the semifinal series from the previous year.
DeWanna Bonner made a long 3-pointer to tie the game at the conclusion of a competitive but ultimately forgettable first half. The Sun took over in the third quarter after what appeared to be a wake-up shot. By compressing their defense, they restricted the Wings to just 12 points in the quarter and established a double-digit advantage that they would hold for the duration of the contest.
The Sun’s defense, offensive rebounding, and efficiency to get to the free throw line were crucial on a night when neither team was playing much offensively. The Sun managed to score 20 points by forcing the Wings into 19 turnovers. They snatched up an incredible 17 offensive rebounds under the basket, outscoring the Wings 20-4 in points on second chances.
Bonner did maximum work for the Sun as he finished with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists and significantly contributing to the Wings’ offensive disruption. Despite having a difficult first half with foul problems, Jonquel Jones finished with another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Even though the Sun’s 35.5 percent shooting percentage was their worst of the entire season, it was against the Wings.

Sun qualifies for the semifinal

Connecticut Sun got their ticket to the semifinal for the fourth successive season and they will be facing a similar opponent in the semifinal. They will be facing the Sky for the third consecutive postseason; the Sun won in the second round in 2020, while the Sky emerged victorious in the semifinals the previous year. The Sun will be hoping to get to the Finals for the first time since 2019, although they have an 0-4 record this year against the Sky.
For Dallas, Marina Mabrey led the side with 20 points in scoring, but she also committed eight turnovers. The Wings only managed 20 of 55 field goal attempts, but no other player scored in double figures. Isabelle Harrison had to leave in the first quarter amid sprained ankle that was really upsetting for Wings.