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Rebuilding Sun mark franchise's last game in Connecticut with victory, joy
Confirmed
In Short: The Connecticut Sun secured a 95-81 victory over the Toronto Tempo in their final game at Mohegan Sun Arena, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
Guard Ashlon Jackson's 3-pointer with 51 seconds left in the game was the final points scored in Connecticut for the Sun.
Jackson said, 'Coach spoke about us playing for our pride -- pride for our fans, pride for our name, pride for the organization itself,' highlighting the emotional significance of the game.
The Sun's impending relocation to Houston has been a source of confusion and heartache for the franchise and its fans over the past 13 months.
The franchise's history was celebrated throughout the summer, including honoring former players and coaches as part of their Sun Legends program.
The Sun's final game drew a sellout crowd of 8,911 fans, who were on their feet as the clock ticked down to zero.
Meanwhile, Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx broke Caitlin Clark's WNBA record for points by a rookie in a season on Sunday, scoring 21 points in the Lynx's 101-89 victory over the Connecticut Sun.
Miles, who entered the game tied with Clark at 769 points, moved into first place with a free throw in the second quarter.
Miles is averaging 19.7 points, six assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season, and has set several rookie records, including the fastest to reach 350 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists.
She will likely add to her record with two games remaining in the regular season.
The Lynx's victory over the Sun was a significant moment for Miles, who has been a key player in the team's success this season.
What this adds
The Sun's final game in Connecticut was a celebration of the franchise's history and a bittersweet farewell for fans.
What's confirmed
- — Olivia Miles broke Caitlin Clark's WNBA record for points by a rookie in a season on Sunday in the Minnesota Lynx 's 101-89 victory over the Connecticut Sun.
- She hit eight 3-pointers in a win over Golden State on June 4 to set the league record for most by a rookie in a game.
- Miles also became the fastest rookie to reach 350 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in her career, doing it in 21 games — one quicker than Clark and former Charlotte Sting guard Andrea Stinson.
What's still developing
- But the young, rebuilding Sun knew they were playing Thursday for more than what any numbers or records could reflect.
- "Today feels different," she told ESPN before the game.
- Despite being in such a small market, the franchise found a way to be successful on the court, recording 16 playoff berths and four Finals appearances, most recently in 2019 and 2022.
- -- The past 13 months for the Connecticut Sun and their fans have been ones of confusion and heartache as the franchise's sale and relocation went from possibility to reality, all while wins on the court became more difficult to come by.
- The Americans were pushed to the limit in that game and escaped with a one-point win when Gabby Williams ' shot at the buzzer went in, but was ruled a two-pointer because her foot was on the line.
- Les Bleues have won every game by at least 22 points and are operating on a tremendous level on both ends of the floor.
- As expected, it will be Team USA versus France in a rematch of the gold medal game at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
- The French are a perfect 5-0 in the tournament, and have won their games by an average of 35.6 points.
- France leads the tournament in scoring (96.2 points per game), field goal percentage (51.6%), 3-point percentage (44.2%), 3-point field goals (73) and steals per game (13.2).
- On Sunday, Miles and the Minnesota Lynx visited the Connecticut Sun, as the top team in the WNBA standings looked to snap a three-game losing streak.
- 20, surpassing Caitlin Clark's previous mark of 769 points across 40 games in 2024 after being drafted No.
- "It's really special, to obviously, be able to accomplish that with such a great team and to do it on a win as well." Miles made two free throws at the 9:31 mark of the second quarter to break the record.