Rising Sun earn wire-to-wire win over falling Mercury

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th July, 24:22 2026

Jul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Kennedy Burke (25) controls the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The upstart Connecticut Sun, led by Leila Lacan's career-high 26 points as one of five players scoring in double figures, never trailed in their 96-83 victory Friday night at the Phoenix Mercury.

Connecticut (7-18) has won five of its last eight games. Phoenix (8-18) is mired in a five game-losing streak. The teams meet again at Phoenix on Sunday.

Brittney Griner, who played her first 11 seasons in the WNBA for Phoenix, finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Sun.

The other Connecticut players scoring in double figures were Kennedy Burke (13 points), Aaliyah Edwards (12) and Diamond Miller (11).

Lacan made 10 of 13 shots from the field and all five of her free-throw attempts.

The Sun, who scored the first eight points of the game, shot 52.2% from the field and tallied 24 assists on their 36 made field goals.

Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper's 21 points. Alyssa Thomas, who played 11 years with the Sun earlier in her career, had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Mercury shot 46.2% from the field, including 4 of 15 from 3-point range.

Connecticut outscored Phoenix 28-16 in the second quarter to build a 54-37 lead at halftime. Lacan had 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and Griner posted 11 points in the half.

The Sun led by as many as 20 points in their productive second quarter, led by Lacan's 10 points. Burke had eight points in the quarter while making all three of her shots from the field, two from 3-point range.

Phoenix scored the first eight points of the third quarter to cut the lead to 54-45 with 8:25 remaining in the period.

Copper's layup almost two minutes later made the score 57-49. Connecticut responded with seven straight points, with Miller scoring the first five on a three-point play and a driving layup.

The Sun went into the fourth quarter leading 73-59.

They made their first five shots from the field in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 86-67 with 7:05 remaining.

--Field Level Media

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