Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21) shoots against New York Liberty guard Sami Whitcomb (32) in the second half during a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - DeWanna Bonner made her season debut for Connecticut and scored 12 of her 16 points in the decisive first half and the Sun beat the New York Liberty 92-65 on Tuesday night.
Natasha Heideman had a season-high 15 points, Brionna Jones scored 14, Jonquel Jones 13 and Alyssa Thomas had 12 points and four steals. Courtney Williams, who also sat out the first two games (suspension), had four points on 1-of-4 shooting with 18 minutes.
The Sun (2-1) missed their first six shots and committed two turnovers as New York scored 10 of the game's first 12 points before Michaela Onyenwere hit a 3-pointer to give the Liberty a 15-11 lead with 2:48 left in the first quarter. Brionna Jones answered with a layup and Heideman followed with a 3 to spark an 18-0 run over the next nearly-4 minutes to take the lead for good.
Betnijah Laney led New York (1-4) with 16 points and Stefanie Dolson scored 13.
The Liberty, who have lost four in a row since beating Connecticut 81-79 in the season opener, committed 29 turnovers. New York set its franchise's single-game record for turnovers with 30 against the Phoenix Mercury in 1998 and had 29 turnovers against the Los Angeles Sparks last June.
The Utah Starzz set the WNBA record with 33 turnovers against the Phoenix Mercury on August 17, 1997.
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New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello reacts in the second half during a WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Connecticut Sun guard Yvonne Anderson, left, drives against New York Liberty forward Natasha Howard, right, in the second half during a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, left, speaks with her players in the second half during a WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney (44) drives against Connecticut Sun guard Nia Clouden (11) in the second half during a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21) smiles as she runs up the court in the second half during a WNBA basketball game against the New York Liberty, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) looks to pass against Connecticut Sun forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half during a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press
New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney (44) drives past Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) and center Brionna Jones, right, in the second half during a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The Associated Press