Deprived of the single-season assists record by Caitlin Clark, Alyssa Thomas got her revenge in the most beautiful way in Game 1 of the series between the Sun and the Fever. Author of a “triple-double” (12 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds), the Connecticut point guard allowed her team to win 93-69 in this first round, and it is the biggest defeat in the history of the Fever in the playoffs.
The WNBA's best defense, the Sun stifled Clark, who was limited to 11 points on 4 of 17 shooting, including 2 of 13 on 3-pointers by the very physical DeWanna Bonner. Author of 21 points, Kelsey Mitchell also missed the target with a 2 of 10 from distance. Not content with defending Clark very well, Bonner added 22 points and 5 assists.
A “rotten” Game 1
“It was about having size, giving us versatility in our pick-and-roll situations, having a different face.”, Stephanie White justifies herselfthe Sun coach, about her decision to put Bonner over Clark. “This sport is about comfort, rhythm, timing, all of those things and how you can make an adjustment that's going to disrupt some of those things.”
Dominated on the rebound and in fast play, and therefore clumsy from afar (6 out of 28 at 3-pointers), the Fever cracked in the last quarter, losing 25-12. “My shots didn't go in… It's so frustrating when you're a shooter, and you have good positions, and it doesn't go in. I feel like we had a rotten game.” regrets Clark.
Opposite, Thomas signs his 15th triple-double in his career, including 4 in the playoffs. It's a double record. “I've been waiting for the playoffs all season, and that's what I'm playing for. This is just the beginning for us!” she warns.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers attempted; LF = Free throws made / Free throws attempted; O = Offensive rebound; D = Defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose balls; Ct: Blocks; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the court; Pts = Points; Eval: Player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
