Lacan, Nelson-Ododa lead balanced Sun past Mystics 68-57

The Connecticut Sun stifled the Washington Mystics 68-57 on Friday, riding a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense to secure a road win. Leila Lacan and Olivia Nelson-Ododa led the charge with 12 points apiece, while Kennedy Burke ignited the second unit off the bench for 11 points. The trio combined for 35 of Connecticut’s 68 points, spreading the scoring load beyond its stars.

4% shooting, with Connecticut’s defense forcing turnovers and contesting every perimeter look. The Mystics’ leading scorer, Elena Delle Donne, finished with 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting, emblematic of the night’s struggles. Connecticut’s defensive scheme was relentless: the Sun recorded eight forced turnovers and limited the Mystics to just 14 points in the paint.

By collapsing on drives and rotating aggressively on the perimeter, they turned potential scoring bursts into fast‑break opportunities, a factor that proved decisive in a game where every possession mattered. The bench’s impact extended beyond Burke’s 11 points; the Sun’s second unit contributed 22 points overall, showcasing a depth that can sustain intensity across a grueling schedule. This depth is especially valuable as the team heads into a back‑to‑back, where maintaining defensive pressure without overtaxing starters will be essential.

The Sun’s defensive pressure turned turnovers into transition opportunities, as eight forced errors sparked fast‑break points that kept the pace in Connecticut’s favor. By collapsing on drives and contesting every perimeter look, the Sun not only stifled Washington’s offense but also generated easy baskets, a dual‑threat that proved decisive in a game where every possession mattered. Depth proved to be a differentiator; the bench’s 22 points represented nearly a third of the Sun’s total, allowing the starters to rest without a noticeable dip in production.

This balance is crucial as Connecticut prepares for a grueling back‑to‑back stretch, where maintaining intensity on both ends will be essential to sustain momentum. Connecticut head coach Curt Miller praised the team’s collective effort after the game, noting the importance of defensive intensity in tight wins. “We knew Washington would make it tough inside, so we had to be disciplined on the glass and rotate hard,” Miller said.

” What’s next: The Sun head to New York to face the Liberty on Sunday in a back‑to‑back set, looking to build on this road win with another defensive performance. Read at ESPN