Storm, Sun seeking stouter defensive efforts

Field Level Media|published: Sat 9th May, 12:13 2026

May 8, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) reacts during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm are both looking to play better defensively when they meet Sunday in Uncasville, Conn.

The Sun fell 106-75 to the New York Liberty on the road Friday and now get to play their final home opener in their farewell season in Connecticut. The team is moving to Houston in 2027.

The Storm similarly were overwhelmed in a 91-80 loss to Golden State at home in Friday's opener.

Diamond Miller, who led the Sun with 16 points, was critical of how her team played on the defensive end.

"We felt like our defense was flat. They were pretty much getting what they wanted, and that's just unacceptable," she said. "This is our jobs. And we have to be better. And we will be better."

Like the Sun, the Storm also allowed four players to score in double figures. First-year Seattle head coach Sonia Raman knows improvement is needed.

"The defensive side of the ball is obviously where we need to keep focusing," Raman said. "The offense will come. "First game, a lot to get better at."

Dominique Malonga led Seattle with 21 points and eight boards, as the 2025 No. 2 overall pick became the youngest player (20) in league history to get to 200 career rebounds.

Zia Cooke (15 points) and Jade Melbourne (13) scored in double figures off the bench for Seattle.

The Storm surrendered 15 3-pointers, and that effort didn't sit well with the players.

"We discussed it in the locker room. That's the worst we're going to be for like the rest of the season," Melbourne said.

The Sun didn't fare much better in defending the 3-point line, allowing 10 triples to fall.

Offensively, Aneesah Morrow scored 15 and Brittney Griner added 13 points as they joined Miller in double figures.

Sun coach Rachid Meziane hopes his team learns from the opening loss and can start Sunday's game better after falling behind 36-13 in the first quarter against New York.

"I hope that ... it was a good learning opportunity for us, and just understand that we cannot start a game like that," Meziane said.

--Field Level Media

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