Phoenix, AZ. (Aug. 12, 2021) – The Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm tipped off in the inaugural WNBA Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ. The Storm defeated the Sun 79-57 and will receive upwards of $30,000 each. The Connecticut Sun will earn up to $10,000 per player.

Seattle held the lead over Connecticut for the entire contest. After one quarter of play, the Sun trailed 28-18. DeWanna Bonner scored seven first-quarter points and J. Jones added six points and six rebounds for the Sun. Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 15.

Connecticut outscored the Storm 8-4 during the first five minutes of the second quarter to come within five (27-32). Seattle came back to outscore the Sun 18-17 and regain their double-digit lead (46-35).

The third quarter began with a Seattle 6-0 run, which eventually led to a 28-point Storm advantage at the start of the fourth. The Sun only scored five points for the entire frame, all of which came from J. Jones who secured her double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Storm scored 22 third quarter points and received scoring from six players. At the end of three, Bonner led Connecticut with 11 points and J. Jones followed with 10. Stewart led Seattle with 17, Loyd was close behind with 16 and Sue Bird followed with 10.

Both Connecticut and Seattle played their benches the entire fourth quarter. During that time, the Sun’s reserves outscored the Storm 17-11. Kaila Charles scored six points, Natisha Hiedeman scored five, Beatrice Mompremier added six and DiJonai Carrington chipped in two. Hiedeman concluded the contest with 11 points, tying the team high for the evening. She netted a team-high three three-pointers made.

Connecticut shot 32.9 percent from the field on 23-70 attempts. The Sun were also plagued by 26 turnovers which turned into 25 points for the Storm. Connecticut outrebounded Seattle 36-26, dished out 11 assists and blocked five shots.

Seattle shot 49.2 percent from the field, assisted on 18 baskets and committed 17 turnovers.

Connecticut (14-6) sits third in the league behind Seattle (16-5) and Las Vegas (15-6). The regular season picks back up on Sunday, Aug. 15 and the Sun will face the Dallas Wings (9-12) in Arlington, TX at 4pm ET. For additional information about the Connecticut Sun, visit connecticutsun.com.

###