Connecticut Sun
The Sun started hot going 9-0, read how the rest of their first half went.
Connecticut was the hottest team to start the season going 9-0 and winning 13 of their first 14 games. Since then they have hit some turbulence going 5-5.
The Sun has feasted on the lower half of the league going 16-1 against the 6th through 12th place teams in the W. While going a meager 2-5 against the top five teams in the W.
Knowing that the Sun needed to make changes to up their chances of winning the franchise’s first championship, GM Darius Taylor pulled off a rear in-season trade.
The Sun needing more floor spacing made the following trade with the Chicago Sky:
Sky received Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 1st round pick ( later selected), and a 2026 1st-round pick ( later selected) (2026 1st-rd pick is a right to swap)
Sun received Marina Mabrey and a 2025 2nd-round pick ( later selected) (2025 2nd-rd pick is NYL own)
Mabrey is a career 35% shooter from beyond the arc which is much needed on a team that is shooting 31% from three land. I’m interested to see if she is inserted into the starting lineup or will be coming off the bench.
Key Stats
18-6 straight-up
10-14 ATS
11-13 to the over
79.8 points per game
43.8% field goal percentage
31.4% three-point field goal percentage
5.5 three-point field goals made per game
76% free-throw percentage
9.2 offensive rebounds per game
13.1 turnovers per game
72.9 points allowed per game
43.7% opponent’s field goal percentage
31.1% opponent’s three-point field goal percentage
6.3 three-pointers allowed per game
77.4% opponent’s free-throw percentage
6.9 offensive rebounds allowed per game
16.5 turnovers forced per game
The Sun is all about defense, defense, defense and it shows in the stats. Hopefully, Mabry will help with the offensive side of the ball.
Key Players
Alyssa Thomas
Alyssa Thomas is arguably the most balanced player in the W. Also known as AT, she is leading Connecticut in assists (7.6 apg) and rebounds (9.2 rpg) while also scoring 11.4 points per game.
The most unique part of Thomas’ game is her shooting form. Due to two torn labrums, she shoots with one hand and is still managing to shoot 52% from the field.
DeWanna Bonner
The two-time WNBA champion is looking to add a third with the Sun. The 14-year veteran is leading Connecticut in scoring at 16.7 points per game.
I believe Bonner will benefit the most from the Mabrey trade. Bonner was the most consistent three-point threat for Connecticut and adding a quality shooter will lead to more open shots for Bonner.
Remaining Schedule
The Sun currently sits 2.5 games behind New York for the top seed and has a chance to catch them.
The Sun has the 10th easiest schedule remaining with only one matchup left with Minnesota, New York, and Phoenix and two matchups left with Seattle and Las Vegas.
Fanduel currently has the Sun at +800 to finish as the number one seed. I have placed a bet on that outcome as a hedge on my Lynx to finish as the number one seed.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my work. I’m continually looking for new writing opportunities. If you would like to contact me, you can through this site or my X @Davesdailypicks.
