UNCASVILLE — The Phoenix Mercury earned their ninth win of the season with a dominant first quarter, defeating the Connecticut Sun, 83-75, on June 18.
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Jun 18, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots the ball against the defense of Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) during the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Mercury opened the first quarter on a 10-0 run, with the Sun scoring almost five minutes later. Phoenix continued to extend its lead with consistent shooting from all players, opening a 17-point lead in the second quarter.
Connecticut did its best to catch up and was down five points with less than two minutes in the quarter. However, the Mercury continued to push and took the lead into halftime, 48-36.
Jun 18, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa (9) drives the ball while being defended by Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Both teams evened out in the third and fourth quarters with the Sun outscoring the Mercury, 39-35. Despite that, the Sun couldn’t overcome Mercury’s commanding first-quarter lead.
Alyssa Thomas led scoring for the Mercury with 14 points and 11 assists.
Aneesah Morrow led scoring for the Sun with 16 points and shot 45.5% from the field.
Connecticut Didn’t Go Down Quietly
Jun 18, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Jaelyn Brown (18) shoots over Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (1) during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
After the game, head coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged Phoenix’s early game dominance and the even play the rest of the game. He said it was an emotional game, with Thomas’ first game back in Connecticut.
“This is a big road trip for [The Mercury],” Tibbetts told reporters. “… Anytime you can win on the road, it’s a good thing.”
Jun 18, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Thomas also spoke to reporters about the game and cited team mistakes as to why the Sun were able to stay in the game.
“Our mistakes,” she said when asked for the reason for Connecticut’s play.”Us turning the ball over, putting them on the free throw line. Miscommunication and transition.”
Next Game
Lexi Held might have just sealed it in Connecticut ????
Beautiful pass from Alyssa Thomas (11 AST) sets up the potential dagger!
PHX-CON | League Pass pic.twitter.com/Xe9IlpfGRl
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 19, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury will continue this road trip and face the New York Liberty on Thursday, June 19 at 4 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
