:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64075027/stricklen.0.jpeg)
The Connecticut Sun (9-1) defeated the Atlanta Dream (2-6), 86-76 at home on Friday night. Connecticut started with a strong first half, outscoring Atlanta 49-25, and held on the rest of the way.
Shekinna Stricklen led the Sun with 24 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 7-of-11 on three pointers. The Sun as a team made a season-high 12 three-pointers in Friday’s game.
The @ConnecticutSun brought in the summer with a season-high TWELVE threes in a single game #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/Vq9Ly5gyOe
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 22, 2019
Jonquel Jones also added 18 points for the Sun, who extended its home win streak to 13 with the win.
For the Dream, Brittney Sykes led all scorers with 18 points while Jessica Breland added 17 points and 8 rebounds. Breland also helped the Dream reduce double-digit deficit to just five points with 3:28 left in the fourth quarter.
Drive and dish game @BrittBundlez to Jessica Breland for the long 2 #DreamOn pic.twitter.com/YJ7jBbJFf1
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 22, 2019
However, Stricklen countered with a three, which helped Connecticut close out its needed win.
After this win, the Sun looks like the WNBA’s team to beat for the regular season. The Dream is still waiting for Angel McCoughtry to come back, but Tiffany Hayes’ slow start isn’t helping. Hayes scored only 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the game.
What’s next for the Sun
The Sun will start a three-game road trip against the Chicago Sky on Sunday, June 23 at 6 p.m. ET. The game will be televised nationally on NBA TV.
What’s next for the Dream
The Dream will host the Washington Mystics on Sunday, June 23 at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN.