January helps clinch 5th playoff spot in row
UNCASVILLE — The Connecticut Sun’s identity revolves around their frontcourt Big Three of Jonquel Jones, Brionna Jones and Dewanna Bonner.
But with a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs Tuesday at home against the Las Vegas Aces and Jonquel Jones struggling to get going early, the Sun turned to 12-year veteran Briann January to earn a playoff berth for a fifth straight season.
January, whose specialty is defense, scored a game-high 19 points, the most she’s had in her two seasons with the Sun, to help Connecticut to a 76-62 victory. With the win, the Sun swept the regular-season series against the Aces, reinforcing their status as a championship contender.
While January’s big night allowed the Sun to lead for most of the game, Bonner’s nine points in the fourth quarter and crucial defense on A’ja Wilson, sealed the victory. She had 18 total points while Bri Jones also hit double figures with 15.
Reigning WNBA MVP Wilson (1-for15 shooting) was held scoreless until the 4-minute, 12-second mark of the second quarter. She had just four points and was scoreless in the second half.
Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 15, followed by Liz Cambage and Dearica Hamby with 13 apiece.
The Sun were in control for most of the game.
To close the first quarter, Jasmine Thomas’ floater at the buzzer put the Sun ahead 19-15, capping an 11-2 run that gave Connecticut its first lead. The Sun held a narrow edge for most of the second before a pair of and-ones in the final minute of the half — the first from January’s take to the rim against Cambage, and the second from a Brionna Jones drive against Jackie Young — gave Connecticut a 40-32 advantage at the half.
The Sun’s lead grew to 14 at the beginning of the second half after January hit a 3 and Jones converted an and-one. Though the Sun were up by double digits for a good stretch of the frame, the Aces scored seven of the final eight points of the period to cut the deficit to four heading into the fourth.
Connecticut scored the first six points of the fourth and later used an 8-2 run to go ahead by 14 with 3:25 to play.
WNBA commissioner visits Connecticut
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was in the house as part of her tour of all 12 WNBA cities.
“I learn so much about what’s on the minds of the media, fans, the staff,” Engelbert said. “I always find the fans so smart here in Connecticut. They’re not just complaining about something or bringing up an issue, they’re like ‘Here’s how I think would be the best way to do this.’ ”
Engelbert spoke on a number of topics, including lessons learned from the inaugural WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, in which the Sun fell to the Seattle Storm in the championship game two weeks ago.
She thought the in-season competition succeeded in building intraconference rivalries and building interest behind the $500,000 prize pool.
She added the league will explore where to host the championship game moving forward, including potentially a destination city or having one of the two teams in the game host it.