Connecticut Sun 84, Atlanta Dream 64
Game Notes:
- Four Connecticut Sun players scored in double-figures for the 15th time this year to end the regular season 26-6 overall and 15-1 at home. The Sun defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-64 and swept the three-game series. The Sun tied their franchise record for most wins in a season (26) which was set in both 2005 and ‘06.
- Connecticut has their fewest regular-season losses, as well as the best winning percentage (.8125) in franchise history. The Sun also now have the fewest home losses in franchise history (15-1). The previous best was 15-2 set in 2011 and tied again in 2019.
- The Sun now have set the longest win streak to end a season in WNBA history with 14 games. This record was previously set by the 2017 New York Liberty who won 10 in a row to end the season.
- This 14-game win streak is also the fourth-longest win streak of any kind in league history. The only other teams to do so are the Los Angeles Sparks with 18, the Phoenix Mercury with 16 and the Houston Comets with 15.
- Connecticut shot 4-8 from beyond the arc to take the early lead as they outscored the Dream, 27-13 in the first quarter.
- Atlanta started the second quarter on a 5-0 run and cut their deficit to as low as seven as they outscored Connecticut 24-19. However it was the Sun who went into the half up 46-37. The Sun are 21-3 when leading at the half.
- Jasmine Thomas scored all seven of her points in the third to help Connecticut extend their lead to 14 to end the third quarter up 68-54.
- The Sun extended their lead to as large as 20 as they outscored Atlanta 16-10 in the fourth.
- Brionna Jones earned her fourth double-double this season and the eighth of her career. B. Jones brought down her 500th career rebound and ended the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds, seven of which came offensively which tied her career high and is a new season high.
- The Connecticut Sun bench saw extended minutes in today’s contest and scored a new season high 38 points.
- Natisha Hiedeman added 16 as she was three points away from her career high of 19. Hiedeman shot 50% from both the field (4-8) and from three (3-6).
- Stephanie Jones earned a new career high in points and tied her career high in rebounds as she finished with five and four, respectively.
- Jonquel Jones earned her 18th season and 57th overall double-double. She recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
- J. Jones wrapped up her 2021 WNBA regular season averaging; 19.4 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals per game and 1.3 blocks per game. She is the 1st WNBA player to average 19+ PPG, 11+ RPG, 1+ SPG, and 1+ BPG in the regular season. J. Jones is also the 8th WNBA player to average 10+ PPG and 10+ RPG multiple times in their career.
- Monique Billings and Courtney Williams led the way for the Dream. Billings had 14 points and six rebounds on the day while Williams added 18 points and six rebounds.
- Atlanta scored 16 points off the Sun’s 10 turnovers. Atlanta shot 2-20 from behind the three point arch and 28-73 overall.
- Sixty four points is the fewest points Atlanta has scored this season, previous low was 67 against Connecticut on May 14.
- Atlanta tallied a season low 10 and were defeated 20-points for the fourth time this season.
- Connecticut set a new season high in offensive rebounds ending with 18.
Jasmine Thomas was awarded the first annual Gladys Tantaquidgeon award.
The recipient embodies the qualities of Gladys Tantaquidgeon in so far as she:
- Brings positive energy and good spirits to her team
- Demonstrates an optimistic world view
- Is a champion of social justice
- Approaches life with character and integrity
- Inspires and motivates good works in others
Tickets for semifinals (9/28 & 9/30) go on sale tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 20 at 10am at the box office and on Ticketmaster. Games one and two are scheduled for 8pm on ESPN2.