Sun reflect on Donovan’s passing
UNCASVILLE — Walking into locker room at halftime, the veteran members of the first-place Connecticut Sun were frustrated and embarrassed after falling behind by 30 points. It didn’t take long for the emotional pendulum to swing in a different direction.
Word began to spread at halftime of the passing of former Connecticut Sun coach Anne Donovan and at that point, the five players who played for the Hall of Famer could think of no better way to pay homage to their former mentor than by unleashing a second half eruption to end all second half eruptions.
The Sun tied the WNBA record by overcoming the largest deficit to take the lead before falling 96-91 to the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday night.
“She brought half of us here and hearing about it at halftime, it really put me in shock,” Sun guard Alex Bentley said. “That second half was for her, just to fight for her. It is crazy.
“She just got us on the court. She was really connected to how we played, our style of play. She brought me here so I had a special relationship with her because she was one of those coaches who completely put her faith in me and believed in me, pushed me, challenged me. I am definitely going to miss her.”
Elena Delle Donne had 36 points ad Kristi Toliver 25 as Washington (6-4) handed Connecticut its second loss of the season.
Washington coach Mike Thibault spoke about how important the win was for his team before reflecting on his close friend who he worked with on Donovan’s Olympic coaching staff.
Courtney Williams had a career-high 34 points, 16 coming in the third quarter for the Sun (7-2). Chiney Ogwumike added 19 points and Jasmine Thomas 13 for Connecticut.