Rosemont, Ill. – Jonquel Jones became just the 13th player in WNBA history to record a 20-20 game, posting career highs of 23 points and 21 rebounds as the Connecticut Sun earned its first win of the season, routing the Chicago Sky 97-79 on Sunday night at Allstate Arena.
On her way to just the 17th 20-20 game in WNBA history, Jones also became just the third player in WNBA history to record multiple 20-rebound games in the same season. She had 20 in the season opener against Atlanta on May 13th. Tina Charles had three in 2010 and Sylvia Fowles had two in 2013.
Versatile forward Alyssa Thomas chipped in with her fifth career double-double, collecting season highs of 17 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing out five assists. She has 11 assists in the last two games for Connecticut (1-4).
Lynetta Kizer came off the bench to provide a spark with a season-high 16 points. She matched a season high with seven rebounds.
In a game that featured five ties and six lead changes early on, the Sun built a 27-21 lead over Chicago (1-5) after one quarter, and were 49-37 at intermission.
Outscored by 46 combined points from the foul line in the first four games of the season, Connecticut reversed that trend at Chicago, where it had a season-high 15 made free throws on 18 attempts in the first half alone. The Sun finished 28 of 39 from the line, outscoring an opponent in that category for the first time this season. Chicago was 19 of 31.
The Sky got as close as 57-53 with 4:38 left in the third quarter, but the Sun gradually pulled away behind Jones.
Tamera Young led the Sky with 17 point while Allie Quigley added 13.
The Sun travel to Washington to face the Mystics on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.