Connecticut Sun Defeat Indiana Fever in WNBA Playoff Opener

Alyssa Thomas delivered a standout performance as the Connecticut Sun secured a 93-69 victory over the Indiana Fever in the opening game of their best-of-three WNBA playoff series. Thomas achieved the 15th triple-double of her career, concluding the game with 12 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. This marks her fourth triple-double in a postseason game.

Marina Mabrey was the top scorer for the Sun, contributing 27 points, 20 of which were scored in the second half. According to ESPN, Mabrey’s total points set a record for the most by a reserve player in a playoff game. As a result of this victory, the Sun now lead the series, with Game 2 scheduled to take place on Wednesday night in Connecticut. A potential deciding third game is set for Friday night in Indiana, should it be necessary.

Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, who was named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year earlier that day, ended the game with 11 points after overcoming a slow start. She also managed to provide eight assists during the game. On the Fever’s side, Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points, while Aliyah Boston registered 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Connecticut Sun entered the playoff encounter with significant experience, having participated in 222 playoff games previously, compared to the Fever’s mere 19, with none among the current starters. This marked Indiana’s first playoff appearance since 2016, a year when Connecticut head coach Stephanie White was at the helm of the Fever.

The game started as a tightly contested match, with Indiana leading 36-34 with just under four minutes left in the first half. However, the Sun took control with a 12-2 run that helped establish their dominance.

Game 1 also saw its share of small controversies and events, including an early successful challenge by Indiana and an accidental injury to Caitlin Clark, who was poked in the eye during the game’s early proceedings. Tyasha Harris of the Fever also sustained an ankle injury but managed to return to the bench later with the leg heavily wrapped.