GAME RECAP: Rachel Banham Ties Franchise Record for Three-Point Makes, Sun Defeat Mercury, 96-69

Uncasville, CT (July 14, 2024)- Today, the Connecticut Sun (18-5) defeated the Phoenix Mercury (12-12), 96-69, in their final game at Mohegan Sun Arena prior to the Olympic break. With the win, the Sun move to 3-0 against the Mercury in 2024, with the final contest coming on September 13 in Phoenix.

Rachel Banham led the Sun in today’s win, logging a season-high 24 points behind a career-high eight three-point field goals. With eight triples on the day, she set a new career-high, tied Shekinna Stricklen for most threes made in a game in franchise history and set a new WNBA record for most threes made in a game by a player coming off the bench. She also added two rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes of action.

DeWanna Bonner logged 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Brionna Jones added 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. DiJonai Carrington rounded out the double-figure scorers, notching her first career double-double with 12 points, a career-high 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.

After the game was tied 20-20 heading into the second quarter, the Sun outscored the Mercury, 76-49, the rest of the way. The Sun scored a season-high 96 points, made a season-high 37 field goals, dished out a season-high 26 assists and tallied a season-high 37 bench points. The team also its season-highs for three-pointers made (10) and offensive rebounds (16).

Three players for Phoenix finished in double digits with Kahleah Copper leading the way with 17 points, along with six rebounds and two assists. Brittney Grinner added 16 points and nine boards, while Natasha Cloud notched 10 points and a team-high six assists.

The Sun shot 47.4% (37-78), while holding the Mercury to 40.6% (28-69). Connecticut’s defense held Phoenix to 28.6% (10-35) in the second half of action and forced 17 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for the Sun.

Notes:

• Only 10 players in WNBA history have recorded a game with eight or more three-point makes. The last player to achieve the feat prior to Banham was New York’s Sabrina Ionescu on June 9, 2023 with eight triples against the Atlanta Dream.
• Ty Harris dished out a season-high seven assists and grabbed a career-high seven rebounds.
• The Sun committed a season-low seven turnovers, which only resulted in five Mercury points.
• Connecticut moves to 10-3 at home this season heading into the Olympic break.
• The Sun outrebounded the Mercury, 44-33. They also held the advantage in second chance points (25-11), fast break points (9-1) and bench points (37-14).
• The Mercury’s nine third-quarter points marks a new season-low for Sun opponent third quarter points (previously 10).

NEXT GAME: The Connecticut Sun play their final game before the Olympic break against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.