Liberty's title defense ends as they get demolished in their rematch game
Connecticut Sun Prepare for Rematch Against New York Liberty
The Connecticut Sun are gearing up for a rematch against the New York Liberty on Sunday, with the home game being a significant opportunity for the team. The Sun recently triumphed over the defending champions with a convincing 78-62 victory, a win that could have a lasting impact on the team's future.
In that game, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Leila Lacan each scored 16 points off the bench, while veteran guard Marina Mabrey led the team with a team-high 18 points, ten rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one blocked shot. Bria Hartley, another free agent signing by the Sun, also made her return to the WNBA after a hiatus in 2022.
The Sun have been in a rebuilding phase this season, focusing heavily on developing young players. This includes draft picks like Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, and Rayah Marshall, as well as Jacy Sheldon through trade. Rivers, in particular, has shown promising growth and is in contention for an All-Rookie Team selection.
The team's struggles this season have been well-documented, with a current record of 5-21, the worst in the WNBA. Despite the challenges, the Sun have remained committed to their rebuilding strategy. This includes plans for a $100 million practice center, an investment aimed at enhancing player development and motivation.
Last season, the Sun were a championship contender, but were eliminated by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Semifinals. The team's veteran core from last season has been largely replaced, with Mabrey being the only remaining veteran. The Sun have also seen a change in leadership, with Rachid Meziane taking over as head coach after Stephanie White stepped down and joined the Indiana Fever.
The Sun are hoping for a repeat of their previous victory against the Liberty and are optimistic about their young players' development. However, given their current rebuilding status and season struggles, the Sun may still face challenges competing against established teams like the Liberty.
The team's future remains uncertain, with potential relocation and ownership changes on the horizon. Yet, the commitment to long-term growth remains, as evidenced by the planned practice facility upgrade and the team's rebuilding strategy.
[1] New ownership plans $100 million practice center to enhance player development and motivation [2] Connecticut Sun's rebuild centers on promising young talent like Saniya Rivers [3] Connecticut Sun's rebuild: How new ownership, practice facility could change the WNBA team's fortunes [4] Connecticut Sun's rebuilding phase: What's next for the WNBA team?
[1] Rumors swirl about the Connecticut Sun's future plans, including the construction of a $100 million practice center, with the aim of fostering player development and boosting team morale.
[2] In the midst of a rebuilding phase, the Connecticut Sun are betting on the potential of promising young talent, especially Saniya Rivers, who showed encouraging signs of growth this season.
[3] Amidst struggles in the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun are rebuilding their team with a new ownership and a planned practice facility enhancement, raising questions about how these changes might shape their future performance.
[4] The Connecticut Sun are navigating through a rebuilding period, facing challenges in the present but hoping to reemerge as a championship contender in sports, thanks to new investments and focus on young talent in basketball, WNBA, and the draft.
