WNBA: New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury set 3-pointer record, Connecticut Sun continue impressive form
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Published 19/06/2024 at 08:49 GMT+1
Connecticut Sun are enjoying their best-ever start to a season after picking up another win against Los Angeles Sparks to extend their record to 13-1 in the current campaign. Meanwhile, it was a record-breaking night in Arizona as the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury set a new record WNBA record for most 3-pointers in a single match. Mercury came out on top to end New York's winning run.
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Connecticut Sun continued their impressive form in the WNBA, reaching a 13-1 record at the start of a season for the first time in their history with a 79-70 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
Their previous best start was 12-2 after 14 games during the 2005 season.
The Sun were in control throughout and had a lead as large as 19 points at one stage in the fourth quarter.
Despite the Sparks closing the gap by winning the final quarter, Connecticut took a comfortable win.
All five Sun starters finished in double figures, with DeWanna Bonner their top performer with 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks, while Tyasha Harris and Alyssa Thomas also delivered impressive stats.
Connecticut face Las Vegas Aces next, while Los Angeles - who are on a four-game losing streak - face New York Liberty at the Barclays Center on Friday.
Liberty will arrive at that match hoping to put things right after their eight-game winning streak was ended in a record-breaking match against Phoenix Mercury, who took a 99-93 victory.
The teams combined for 33 3-pointers - which was the most in a game in WNBA history.
New York made 18 3-pointers of their own, which tied a single-game team record, while it was the first time since the WNBA began in 1997 that both teams made at least 15 3-pointers in a game.
Speaking after the game, Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts said: "That was some high-level stuff, the shot-making.
"For us to stay with it and get the win is a credit to our group."
Phoenix’s Rebecca Allen led the way in converting 3-pointers, as she made 5 of 7 on her way to a season-high 17 points.
After playing against her former team, Allen said: "To come out with a win tonight, especially with how many 3s they made, says a lot about the grit of our team."
With their recent winning form coming to an end, New York coach Sandy Brondello said: "Both coaches would say [our defence] probably wasn't where it needed to be.
"But on both teams, there are wonderful shooters. And so many individual players that attract so much attention, that the 3 was open. We made a few more, but Phoenix shot a better percentage. Especially in the fourth quarter, they made some really big 3s."
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