Going into Sunday’s semi final game the Sun were coming off a playoff victory versus the Lynx. The New York Liberty on the other hand were looking to get started after sweeping the Washington Mystics. The Liberty were also walking into this series with the advantage of winning all four games they played the Sun this season.
When the game started the Sun got off to a strong start, which was not surprising. In previous contests the Sun have always started strong against the Liberty, but this team was different. It was not the usual suspects. The Sun started the game on a 7-2 run, and by the first timeout of the game they had a seven point lead 21-14. Due to the play of the former Liberty player Rebecca Allen who led the team with eight points.
The Liberty ended up getting going, and making a run. They realized that the Sun could not stop them inside at the moment. At the end of the first period the Liberty were still trailing 25-21. Going into the second period the Liberty continued with the same pace they ended the first period with. Midway through the second period the Liberty had taken a 40-37 lead.
The Liberty ended up getting going, and making a run. They realized that the Sun could not stop them inside at the moment. At the end of the first period the Liberty were still trailing 25-21. Going into the second period the Liberty continued with the same pace they ended the first period with. Midway through the second period the Liberty had taken a 40-37 lead.
The lead change was due to two reasons. One the play of Sabrian Ionescu. Who continued to hit key shots during the period and ended the half with nine points. Second was the Liberty defense. Even though Rebecca Allen was scoring at will, the Liberty were holding their key players Thomas and Bonner in check. Who both had a combined eleven points.
When the second half started the Sun came out aggressive on both ends of the court. They went on a13-5 run, behind the play of Heidman and Hayes. Who were both leading the team with 12 points. Which was followed by their defense from Bonner and Thomas. The Sun were offensively spreading New York out, and attacking the middle of the paint. Defensively they kept all of their players from getting into any rhythm at all for the period.
By the end of the period the sun had taken full control as Allen got hot. Leading the team with 18 points, and Bonner had also gotten hot with 16 points. The Sun ended the period with a 70-55 lead. For the rest of the game they never looked back. As they went on a 18-7 run in the fourth, and ended the game with a 78-63 win. Taking game one of the series.
Alyssa Thomas with a crafty assist to Tip Hayes #WNBA #CTSun pic.twitter.com/pJlWxtqcj1
— Enveonline (@Enveonline) September 24, 2023
After the game Dewanna Bonner was asked “what did the coach say to you for you to take over”? She stated it was something that Thomas said to her that she can not repeat. At press time the Sun had taken a 1-0 series lead, but the Liberty responded and rebounded back in game two and now the series is tied 1-1. going back to Connecticut for the next two games for the series. Stay tuned!
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