Connecticut Sun guard Courtney Williams, left, tries to pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Sparks forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa, center, and guard Brittney Sykes during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Alyssa Thomas had 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Jonquel Jones had 17 points and eight rebounds and the Connecticut Sun beat the Los Angeles Sparks 93-69 on Thursday night.
Connecticut (24-11) clinched the No. 3 seed in the WNBA playoffs, with Las Vegas (25-10) and Chicago (25-10) both holding tiebreakers over the Sun. Los Angeles (13-22) was eliminated from playoff contention.
Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones each scored in double figures in the first half, combining for 38 points to help Connecticut lead 54-43.
Brionna Jones finished with 16 points and Bonner had 13 points and seven assists for Connecticut. Jonquel Jones recorded her 268th career block for Connecticut, passing Taj McWilliams-Franklin for the most in franchise history.
Brittney Sykes scored 18 points and Nneka Ogwumike had 10 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, left, and Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones go after a rebound during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, left, grabs rebound away from Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, left, and Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones go after a rebound during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa, left, shoots as Connecticut Sun guard Courtney Williams defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, tries to shoot as Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Connecticut Sun forward DeWanna Bonner, right, tries to pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Katie Lou Samuelson, right drives pas Connecticut Sun guard Courtney Williams during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Sparks forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa, right, shoots as Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Associated Press