Things are on the up and up these days for streaking Sun

New York — The losses piled up quickly at the start of the season, but Connecticut Sun coach Anne Donovan continued to insist that she was seeing progress from her youthful team.

It’s not easy for fans or the media to appreciate improvements in a results-oriented business such as basketball. Fair or not, everything is measured in wins and losses.

It’s easy for everyone to see Connecticut’s progress now that it’s won three straight. It will try to add to its good vibes today against the New York Liberty at Mohegan Sun Arena (1 p.m.).

The Sun lost their first three games and five of their first six.

They improved to 5-6 after Friday’s 83-75 win against the Liberty in New York.

“It was sort of disheartening in the beginning of the season,” rookie Chiney Ogwumike said. “‘ Dang it, man, we know we’re better than this.’ But everyone said, ‘don’t worry, it’s a long season,’ and now I’m starting to understand that.

“Good things will come if you keep working hard.”

Yes, a losing record isn’t cause for hosannas, but the most important thing for Connecticut this season was to move forward. Move forward from last year’s franchise-worst 1024 finish. Move forward after both Tina Charles and Kara Lawson were traded at their request. Move forward with several new players, most of who are 24-and-under.

The fairest expectations this season was to get better and be better than last year. They’re doing that, and all those positive affirmations from Donovan earlier in the season are starting to be seen on the court.

One of the biggest reasons for the winning streak is simple — Connecticut is finally making shots.

Guard Alex Bentley has made 27 of 38 shots over the last three games.

Katie Douglas, who was signed this offseason for her shooting, had a 30 percent field goal percentage prior to Thursday. She’s made 8 of