Connecticut starts season 6-0 for the first time and Bonner reaches 7,000 career points

May 29, 2024, 02:15 am

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- — DeWanna Bonner scored 19 points to become the fifth player in WNBA history to reach 7,000 career points and the Connecticut Sun eased by the Phoenix Mercury 70-47 on Tuesday night to set a franchise record with six straight wins to start a season.

Connecticut (6-0), the only undefeated team in the WNBA, entered tied with its 2018 and '21 teams as the only 5-0 starts in franchise history.

It was tied at 19-all before the Sun went on a 19-1 run to take control.

Connecticut led 38-20 with 2:18 in the first half before the Mercury scored the final five points. The Sun had a chance for the final shot of the half following an offensive rebound, but DiJonai Carrington missed a 3-pointer with 5.1 seconds left and Phoenix raced the other way for a Kahleah Copper layup just before the buzzer to get within 13 points.

Phoenix had just 10 points in the third quarter as the Sun cruised.

The Mercury, who entered ranked second averaging 38.1% from 3-point range, were just 1 of 27 from 3-point range with the lone make from Mikiah Herbert Harrigan. Diana Taurasi went 0 for 7 from distance and finished with just six points.

Phoenix (3-3) had 20 turnovers and just 15 made field goals. Copper, the WNBA scoring leader at 29.2 points per game, scored just seven points and Natasha Cloud had a team-high nine points.

Brionna Jones added 16 points for Connecticut. Alyssa Thomas had 10 points, six rebounds and eight assists.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball