Alyssa Thomas Leads Connecticut Sun To Victory In Game 1

Connecticut Sun's Alyssa Thomas (25) attempts to move past Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston, left, at the net during a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game at Mohegan Sun Arena, Sunday, Sept. 22, 202

The Connecticut Sun secured a convincing 93-69 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 1 of their best-of-three WNBA playoff series. Alyssa Thomas recorded her 15th career triple-double, finishing with 12 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. This marked her fourth postseason triple-double, showcasing her exceptional all-around skills on the court.

Marina Mabrey was a standout performer for the Sun, contributing 27 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half. Her impressive performance set a new record for the most points scored by a reserve player in the playoffs, as reported by ESPN.

Marina Mabrey sets a new record for most points by a reserve player in playoffs.

Alyssa Thomas records her 15th career triple-double in WNBA playoff history.

Connecticut Sun's experience in playoffs proves advantageous over Indiana Fever.

DeWanna Bonner's strong performance helps Sun secure a convincing victory.

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston lead scoring for the Fever.

Sun's decisive 12-2 run in the second quarter shifts momentum in their favor.

Injuries to Clark and Harris do not hinder their competitive spirit.

Despite a strong effort from Caitlin Clark, who recently earned the AP Rookie of the Year award, the Fever fell short in their playoff debut. Clark finished with 11 points and eight assists, while Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston added 21 and 17 points, respectively, for Indiana.

The Sun's experience in the playoffs proved to be a significant advantage, with the team boasting 222 playoff games compared to the Fever's 19, including none among the starters. This marked Indiana's first playoff appearance since 2016, with Connecticut's head coach Stephanie White having previously led the Fever.

After a competitive first half where the Fever briefly held the lead, the Sun took control with a decisive 12-2 run to close out the second quarter. DeWanna Bonner's strong performance, including a crucial block on a Clark layup, helped propel the Sun to a commanding lead.

Despite a few injury scares, including Clark being poked in the eye and Tyasha Harris injuring her leg, both players continued to compete. Clark struggled with her shooting accuracy, finishing 4 for 17, while Mabrey's scoring prowess proved to be a difference-maker for the Sun.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Connecticut, with a potential Game 3 in Indiana on Friday if needed. The Fever will look to bounce back and even the series, while the Sun aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

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