Full Breakdown
Connecticut Sun Break Their Opening Losing Streak with 80-78 Win Over Seattle
5/22/2026, 12:25:28 AM
Sun Secures First Victory with Last-Second Three-Point Play
On Wednesday night at Climate Pledge Arena, the Connecticut Sun ended a five-game opening slump by defeating the Seattle Storm 80-78. With 2.8 seconds remaining, Kennedy Burke, a reserve forward, completed an and-1 play: after a missed jumper by Natisha Hiedeman, Aaliyah Edwards secured the rebound, passed to Charlisse Leger-Walker, who fed Burke for a layup. Burke was fouled by Lexie Brown, converted the free throw, and secured the Sun’s first win of the season.
Season Context
The Sun entered the game with a 1-5 record, tying the franchise’s longest losing streak to start a season.
Key Contributors
Kennedy Burke contributed 15 points, three three-pointers, and six rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Charlisse Leger-Walker posted a career-high 16 points, added two rebounds and three assists, also as a reserve. Starting forward Aneesah Morrow, after four straight double-doubles, logged two points and three rebounds before exiting with an injury. For Seattle, Natisha Hiedeman led with 20 points and five rebounds, while Mackenzie Holmes recorded a career-high 18 points. Connecticut’s bench collectively supplied 62 points, surpassing Seattle’s 49 bench points.
Game Statistics
- Final Score: Connecticut Sun 80, Seattle Storm 78
- Shooting: Seattle shot 44 % from the field; Connecticut forced 17 turnovers, converting 20 points off those miscues.
- Paint Production: Connecticut amassed 50 points in the interior.
- Bench Output: Sun 62 points, Storm 49 points.
- Turnovers: Seattle committed 17; Connecticut limited the Storm to 44 % shooting.
- Individual Highlights: Aaliyah Edwards 12 points, Raegan Beers (career-best 10), Nell Angloma (career-high 15), and rookie Aneesah Morrow, who exited early with an injury after a brief double-double streak.
Implications and Future Matchup
The win halts Connecticut’s early-season slide and restores momentum heading into a scheduled rematch with Seattle on Friday. The result also underscores the Sun’s depth, with bench players delivering the majority of scoring. The upcoming relocation adds a narrative shift, as the team prepares to transition to the Texas market while preserving competitive relevance.
Official Statements & Responses
The franchise confirmed its relocation plans, stating that the move to Texas will revive the historic Houston Comets brand and align with owner Tilman Fertitta’s vision for the organization. League officials have noted the transition will take effect for the 2027 season, with no impact on the current roster’s eligibility.
Verbatim Quotes
> “It was a wild night at Climate Pledge, featuring 62 bench points from the Sun and 49 for Seattle,” — Alexa Philippou, ESPN
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All source material aligns on the final score, key plays, and statistical details. No contradictory accounts were identified.
