It was almost a year ago today the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun, 90-67 . What a difference a season makes. On Saturday, July 7, Connecticut handed the defending champions their first home loss of the season. In a statement game, Connecticut showed the world they are now one of the best teams in the WNBA.
The win against the defending champions improved the Suns' record to, 12-4. Though the victory itself is impressive, Connecticut once again struggled to hold on to a lead. After being up by as much as 20 points, Connecticut could not prevent a Minnesota come back, eventually seeing their lead reduced to four points with less than three minutes remaining in the game. Just when it appeared momentum would carry Minnesota to victory, Connecticut made some key defensive stops, and converted seven of their eight free throws to close out the game.
This is a huge victory for Connecticut. While their inability to hold on to a sizable second half lead is troubling, they did get the win against a very talented Minnesota team. Tina Charles was brilliant as always recording another double double. She was joined by Asjha Jones who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, but it was Kara Lawson coming up big for the Sun with 22 points, and 10 rebounds for a double double of her own.
Lawson also added three three-pointers to give her 34 on the season. Her three-point shooting is not only helping the Sun this year, it's also raising money for the Pat Summitt foundation. To date, Lawson and the Sun have raised $3400 for her former coach.
Lawson's three-point shooting, along with the inside play of Charles and Jones, is a big reason the Sun are in first place in the Eastern Conference. Connecticut is playing as well as any team in the WNBA right now having learned how to win on the road, and close out games. The early success is nice, but the goal remains, the WNBA title.
Vonda is a Connecticut resident and avid basketball fan of the Connecticut Sun, and University of Connecticut. She is looking forward to the Connecticut Sun winning their first WNBA title.
Sources:
http://content.usatoday.com/wnba
http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball
