The Connecticut Sun know what it takes to win in the postseason. Since 2019, the Sun have made two semifinal appearances and two final appearances, but have never won a title. They’re looking to change that this season, and after sweeping Indiana 2-0 in the first round, the Sun are one step closer to their goal.

It was an intense series, despite the sweep. Indiana was threatening for most of Wednesday’s game, but Connecticut’s experience, poise and playmaking ultimately won out.

Sun has a slow start

The Sun have struggled with a slow start this season, something coach Stephanie White has talked about in nearly every press conference. Wednesday was no different. Connecticut trailed Indiana by nine points with four minutes left in the first quarter after Caitlin Clark’s jumper gave the Fever a 13-4 lead. But Connecticut showed its resilience and playoff experience. The Sun didn’t panic and instead mounted a steady comeback, ending the quarter on a 13-1 run.

All seven Sun players who played in the win had previously appeared in the playoffs, while the Fever’s starting five were making their collective playoff debuts. Connecticut’s experience was evident throughout the game. Every time Indiana made a run, the Sun had an answer. Even late in the game, when Indiana regained a 75-73 lead on a layup by Aliyah Boston with 2:41 left, the Sun kept their composure. They responded with a 14-6 run to end the game and secure a spot in the semifinals.

DeWanna Bonners Experienced Presence Crucial for Connecticut

No player in Wednesday’s game has more experience than Bonner. The 15-year veteran is fourth all-time on the WNBA scoring list, quickly closing in on Tina Thompson, who is third. She is also the only player on Connecticut’s starting five to win a WNBA title, which she did with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014.

Bonner struggled shooting most of the game, going 4 of 14 from the field and 1 of 6 from the three-point line. But when Connecticut needed a boost in the fourth quarter, it was Bonner who stepped up. She scored nine of her 15 points in the final period, including a key stretch in which she scored five straight.

With 2:25 left, the Fever had just taken a lead on a Boston layup when Bonner answered with a layup of her own to tie the game. Boston then scored again to retake the lead. It was Indiana’s last advantage of the game. Bonner came on the court with 1:50 left and hit her only 3-pointer of the game. It gave the Sun a 78-77 lead and sparked a 9-4 run to decide the game.

Marina Mabrey continues to make great strides

The Sun traded Mabrey in July because they needed 3-point shooting, and it’s paid off. The guard is averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 42.4 percent from beyond the arc. In the two-game series against Indiana, Mabrey made eight 3-pointers.

Her biggest came with 46 seconds left Wednesday as the Sun held on to a 78-77 lead. Mabrey took a pass from Alyssa Thomas and fired the dagger from long range. It put Connecticut ahead with two baskets and forced the Fever to foul DiJonai Carrington on the next possession. Carrington made both free throws to put the game out of reach.

Sunbed steps up

With Ty Harris injured, Mabrey moved into the starting lineup, taking a key lift off the bench. But Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Veronica Burton did their part, outscoring Indiana’s bench 18-6.

Nelson-Ododa battled Boston in the paint, scoring on fadeaways with touches around the rim. She finished with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks. Burton contributed on offense and defense, doing her best to slow down Caitlin Clark while also scoring 10 points of her own. She also had three assists and three rebounds.

Seven Sun players saw action, all scoring eight or more points. Thomas led the way with 19 points, Mabrey had 17, Bonner had 15 and Carrington added 10.