Connecticut Sun Rebound Strong, Beat Atlanta Dream, 84–76

Marina Mabrey (No. 3) of the Connecticut Sun dropped 34 points in a victory against the Atlanta Dream. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — A week removed from one of their most lopsided losses of the season, the Connecticut Sun flipped the narrative on its head in front of their home crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Led by a career-high 34 points from Marina Mabrey and energized by inspired efforts from their bench unit, the Sun snapped a four-game losing streak with an 84–76 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Friday night.

It wasn’t just a bounce-back win—it was a tone-setter.

“I don’t think that the defeat against New York define us,” said head coach Rachid Meziane, referencing the team’s 100–52 loss earlier in the week. “But how we respond [on Friday night] does.”

Connecticut’s response was loud and clear: with defensive hustle, timely shooting, and balance across the board.

Mabrey was unguardable for much of the night, scoring from all three levels with her usual blend of flair and fire. Her 13-for-22 shooting performance included three triples and multiple driving finishes that swung the momentum in key stretches.

A 12–2 run in the third quarter, sparked by a Mabrey and-one and back-to-back threes, helped turn a close game into one the Sun controlled the rest of the way.

“We just showed [Friday night] that we can play basketball,” Meziane said. “It doesn’t mean that we are going to win all our games, but we played with character, played hard, shared the ball, and understood who we had to find on the court.”

That target was clearly Mabrey, who came into the game determined to set the tone offensively.

“I was just gonna say… I knew she was gonna drop 30 tonight,” teammate Saniya Rivers said with a grin postgame. “We were on live [on Thursday] and somebody asked, ‘Is this the game Marina’s gonna drop 30?’ I said, yes. Marina’s like, ‘Y’all just gonna have to see.’ I was like, ‘No. She is.’ And look, 34. So that’s all I had to say. I already know.”

While Mabrey lit up the scoreboard, the contributions from Connecticut’s supporting cast were just as impactful.

Bria Hartley, now in a rhythm after battling injuries last season, added 11 points and dished out six assists. Her patience and poise helped navigate the Dream’s pressure defense, and her connection with veteran Tina Charles kept the Sun organized.

Charles scored 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting, finding her spots in the high post and converting off feeds from Hartley and Mabrey.

“Marina comes out when she’s hitting shots,” Hartley said. “I know she’s an amazing shooter. I’ve watched her so much in her career, so I’m really excited this year to be able to play with her. And when she’s in rhythm like that, she’s really hard to stop, and it brings a lot of energy for the rest of our team.”

Saniya Rivers (No. 22) continues to showcase her prowess and resolve for the Connecticut Sun. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)

Rivers’ impact didn’t show up fully in the box score, but it was felt throughout. Her defensive assignment included containing Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard—two of Atlanta’s top scorers. Though both reached double digits, Rivers made them earn every point.

“Saniya’s defense today on Allisha and Rhyne was really disruptive,” Mabrey said. “They still had some points, but I think that we made them work really hard, and that was a lot to do with Saniya.”

Connecticut’s bench, an area of concern during the losing streak, found its groove Friday. Aneesah Morrow, a rookie still finding her footing, delivered one of the game’s most vital stretches. In just 13 minutes of action, Morrow tallied three points and a pair of rebounds, but her energy and +12 plus-minus highlighted her importance.

“Aneesah came in and gave great energy,” Mabrey said. “She didn’t get to play that much, but she came in when her number was called, and she went crazy. So we recognize that, and we’re really lucky to have them.”

Kariata Diaby also chipped in four points off the bench and was a force in the paint on both ends during crunch time.

Haley Peters and Jaelyn Brown combined for four rebounds and smart defense, helping keep the Dream at bay as the Sun closed out the final period with poise.

The game began with back-and-forth energy. Atlanta jumped out to a 17–13 lead, paced by Gray and Howard, who looked sharp early. But Connecticut answered with a measured approach. They closed the first quarter tied at 19 and edged ahead 36–35 by halftime.

The third quarter belonged to Mabrey, who added 12 more points as Connecticut built a five-point cushion heading into the fourth.

With under three minutes remaining, the Sun clung to a narrow 74–71 lead. A bucket by Diaby and a dagger mid-range jumper by Hartley extended the gap. Morrow’s clutch layup with 1:17 left made it 80–74, and Mabrey sealed it at the line moments later.

Tina Charles (No. 31) of the Connecticut Sun continues to make the most of her return to her original WNBA team. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)

Connecticut shot 50 percent from the floor while holding Atlanta to 41.2 percent. The Sun’s nine steals and 17 assists exemplified their active, team-first approach.

The victory wasn’t just about halting a losing streak—it was about building confidence.

“We are a young team, so we need to find some enthusiasm when we practice,” Meziane said. “Just continue like that.”

The response to adversity was exactly what Connecticut needed.

“I mentioned this a lot [about] the energy that they bring,” Mabrey added. “They don’t care about what they’re asked to do every night, but they do it gracefully. They come out here and work hard. In practice, we get in their ass, actually crazy, but they respond really well.”

Next Sunrise

After a brief sojourn in front of the Mohegan Sun faithful, the Connecticut Sun take on the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. This will be the second matchup between the two Eastern Conference teams.

Atlanta Dream: By the Numbers

Connecticut Sun: By the Numbers