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Sun Edges Mercury 75-72 in Absolute Thriller
Sun Shine Bright: Connecticut Stuns Mercury in Thrilling Comeback Win!
Hey there, basketball fans! Ever watched a movie where the underdog team falls way behind, then magically comes roaring back to win at the very last second? Well, that actually happened in real life on Friday night! Let’s break down this epic WNBA showdown like you’re five (but cool five, who knows what a "rebound" is).
The Story in a Nutshell
The Connecticut Sun (who’ve had a rough season) played the Phoenix Mercury at home. The Sun were down by 16 points at halftime — yikes! But they didn’t quit. They fought back, took the lead, and won 75–72 thanks to a game-saving block by Brittney Griner at the buzzer.
Star Performers
Connecticut Sun (Winner!)
| Player | Points | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Burke | 15 | Top scorer — and she’s not even a starter! |
| Aaliyah Edwards | 14 | Came off the bench like a superhero |
| Leila Lacan | Key FTs | Ice-cold free throws when it mattered most |
| Brittney Griner | 5 pts, 7 reb, 2 blks | Blocked the game-winning shot against her old team! |
Did you know? Griner used to play for Phoenix. Blocking her former teammate’s shot? That’s next-level drama.
Phoenix Mercury (So Close!)
| Player | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Plum | 25 | Game-high scorer — she kept Phoenix in it |
| Kahleah Copper | 16 | Solid support |
| Alyssa Thomas | 10 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast | Honored before the game — her jersey #25 was retired! |
How the Game Flipped: A Step-by-Step Comeback
- First Half: Phoenix dominates. Sun look sleepy. Mercury up by 16 at halftime.
- Third Quarter Starts: Sun wake up! 11–4 run to open the quarter.
- 3:05 Left in Q3: Sun take first lead of the game (47–46).
- Third Quarter Defense: Phoenix scores only 9 points! (4-of-16 shooting, 0-of-6 from 3, 3 turnovers).
- Final Minute: Lacan hits huge free throws. Sun up 3.
- 12.9 Seconds Left: Phoenix ball, no timeouts. Plum shoots a 3 to tie…
- BUZZER SOUNDS: GRINER BLOCKS IT! SUN WIN!
More Than a Game: A Night of Honor
Before tip-off, the Sun retired Alyssa Thomas’s #25 jersey.
She played 11 seasons in Connecticut — a true franchise legend.
Since the team is moving to Houston next year, they’re celebrating their all-time greats one last time.
> IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Connecticut won despite NO STARTER scoring 10+ points. Bench power!
- Phoenix missed 10 free throws (13-of-23). Free throws win games, folks!
- Griner’s block wasn’t just big — it was poetic vs. her old squad.
- Alyssa Thomas honored — emotional night for a Sun icon.
What’s Next?
| Team | Next Game | When |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Mercury | @ Washington Mystics | Sunday |
| Connecticut Sun | vs. Atlanta Dream | Thursday |
Quick Summary
- Final Score: Sun 75, Mercury 72
- Biggest Lead Change: Sun overcame 16-point deficit
- Hero Moment: Brittney Griner blocks Kelsey Plum’s 3 at buzzer
- Emotional Moment: Alyssa Thomas’s #25 jersey retired
- Weird Stat: Zero Sun starters in double figures — bench won it!
- Key Struggle: Phoenix 13-of-23 from free-throw line
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
1. Why is this win a big deal for Connecticut?
They’re 8–23 (not great), had no starters score 10+, were down 16, and beat a playoff-contending team on a buzzer-beater block. It’s a "season-high" moment!
2. Who is Brittney Griner and why was her block special?
She’s a 6’9" WNBA legend — 9x All-Star, Olympic gold medalist. She played for Phoenix for years. Blocking their shot to beat them? Chef’s kiss.
3. What does "retiring a jersey" mean?
The team hangs the player’s number in the rafters forever. No one else wears #25 for the Sun. It’s the ultimate honor.
4. Why did Phoenix struggle at the free-throw line?
Even pros get nervous! 13-of-23 (56.5%) is really bad. Those 10 missed points? Exactly the difference in the game.
5. The Sun are moving to Houston?!
Yep! After this season, the franchise relocates. That’s why they’re honoring legends like Thomas now — last chance in CT.
Final Thought: Sports are weird, wonderful, and full of stories like this. A team with a losing record, no starter in double figures, down 16… wins on a block by a legend against her old team, on a night honoring another legend.
You can’t script this stuff.
Go Sun! | Go WNBA!
