Rivers, Mabrey Lift Connecticut Sun Over Indiana Fever

Marina Mabrey (No. 3) of the Connecticut Sun had a masterful performance against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Photo: Pepper Robinson | NBAE via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS — The Connecticut Sun finally broke through their early-season struggles, securing their first victory of the 2025 WNBA campaign with a hard-fought 85–83 win over the Indiana Fever on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

After starting 0–5, the Sun showed flashes of the team they hope to become, fueled by the sharp shooting of Marina Mabrey, the steady presence of Tina Charles, and a confident rookie in Saniya Rivers.

Mabrey led all scorers with 26 points, including a dominant third quarter where she poured in 15, sparking a crucial run for Connecticut. Charles, still a cornerstone of the Sun’s offense, added 18 points and was a force on the boards. The veteran center continues to provide a consistent interior presence, mixing physicality with savvy.

The Sun improved to 1–5, snapping a rough start filled with close losses and growing pains. The Fever, meanwhile, dropped to 2–4, struggling without dynamic second-year guard Caitlin Clark, who missed the game due to a strained left quad sustained in the previous contest. Without her, Indiana leaned heavily on Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to carry the offensive load.

Despite the Fever’s best efforts to claw back late — including a frantic final sequence — Connecticut held firm. Mitchell’s potential game-tying jumper with just seconds left rimmed out, sealing the win for the Sun.

“I just trust the process,” said Connecticut head coach Rachid Meziane. “Playing like that will give us confidence in the process and in the offensive system. Sometimes you need games like this to build belief. We’re still in the early stages with this roster and new staff, but nights like tonight show the potential we have.”

The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start, with neither team leading by more than six. The Sun held a narrow edge throughout much of the second half but had to withstand multiple Fever runs. Connecticut shot a sharp 51.7% from the field and hit 50% from three, showing offensive efficiency that had been missing earlier in the season. Indiana was nearly as effective, shooting 49.2% overall and 41.2% from deep.

Rivers played a key role in orchestrating the Sun’s offense, tallying 12 points and six assists while providing energy and leadership. Now in her third season, she is emerging as a vocal leader and steady floor general.

Saniya Rivers (No. 22) of the Connecticut Sun confidently drove to the net against the Indiana Fever. (Photo: Pepper Robinson | NBAE via Getty Images)

“Honestly, I think any team could lay down after a rough start — obviously the 0–5 or whatever,” Rivers said. “It’s easy to throw in the towel, but with us, it really motivated us to work harder. We’re learning, growing, and tonight showed that if we stick to the game plan, we can beat anyone.”

The chemistry on this Connecticut team is still forming. Mabrey, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Sky last year, noted the adjustment process under Coach Meziane.

“When you have a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience and we just came together with a new coach, there’s going to be growing pains,” Mabrey said. “But once we formed some chemistry and found out that, you know, me and Nia [Rivers] have a good thing going at the guard spot, and Bria [Hartley] came in with some spark shooting… and then obviously Tina, she does her job every single time. We can always lean on her.

“And Liv [Olivia Nelson-Ododa] is coming along too. Right now, we just need to keep building off this, figure out what works for us, and make sure we do those things every night.”

Hartley provided valuable support off the bench, knocking down key three-pointers to help maintain the Sun’s edge during Indiana’s surges. Nelson-Ododa showed development on both ends of the floor, pulling in crucial rebounds and holding her own in the paint.

For the Fever, Boston led the way with a versatile performance — 17 points, five rebounds, and seven assists — showcasing her ability to impact multiple facets of the game. Mitchell chipped in 13 points and was a constant threat driving and spotting up.

Still, Indiana struggled with untimely turnovers and missed free throws down the stretch. Without Clark to stabilize the offense and stretch the floor, the Fever’s rhythm was disrupted and their defensive rotations tested by Connecticut’s ball movement.

The closing minutes tested nerves and execution. Connecticut’s defense tightened, contesting every look and forcing hurried Fever possessions. Mitchell had a clean look at the buzzer to tie it but couldn’t convert.

Bria Hartley (No. 14) of the Connecticut Sun was an efficient playmaker against the Indiana Fever. (Photo: Pepper Robinson | NBAE via Getty Images)

The win marks a turning point for Connecticut’s young roster as they saw their hard work rewarded with their first victory. With the road trip continuing, the Sun will look to build on this momentum and climb out of the Eastern Conference cellar.

Indiana returns home searching for answers. With Clark expected back soon, the Fever must fine-tune their defense and re-establish their offensive identity.

Friday’s game offered a glimpse of the competitive balance within the Eastern Conference, where teams are still finding themselves.

For the Sun, this first win was more than just a number in the standings — it was proof of perseverance, and a signal that brighter days may lie ahead.

The Next Sunrise

After shining over Indiana, the Connecticut Sun take on the New York Liberty on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT at Barclays Center. Connecticut defeated New York, 94-86, in a preseason game at Barclays Center on May 9.

Connecticut Sun: By the Numbers

Indiana Fever: By the Numbers