Connecticut Sun        vs          Atlanta Dream 

SUNBURN CURED: Mabrey Drops 34 as Connecticut Secures First Home Win, 84–76 over Atlanta

June 6, 2025 | Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT

Game Recap

With frustration mounting from a six-game losing streak and the sting of a 48-point loss to New York still fresh, the Connecticut Sun returned to Mohegan Sun Arena needing a spark. Marina Mabrey delivered a full-on inferno.

Atlanta held an early edge, leading by five late in the second quarter before Mabrey flipped the script with a personal 10-point flurry to send the Sun into halftime up 36–35. The third quarter was an offensive slugfest, with both teams pouring in 26 points, but the fourth belonged to the home team.

A key stretch midway through the final quarter saw Mabrey hit a dagger three and dish to Tina Charles for back-to-back scores in the paint. The Sun closed on an 11–2 run, fueled by clutch execution and defensive intensity, sealing a much-needed 84–76 win—their first at home this season and their most complete performance since Opening Night.

Top Performers

Connecticut Sun

• Marina Mabrey: 34 points, 13-22 FG, 5-6 FT, 4 rebounds, 4 assists — A complete bounce-back performance that set the tone early and closed the door late.
• Tina Charles: 19 points, 8-13 FG, 7-7 FT, 4 rebounds — Classic post dominance and elite footwork in crunch time.
• Bria Hartley: 11 points, 6 assists, +15 — A steady hand at the point, dictating pace and hitting key mid-range shots.
• Saniya Rivers: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks — Energized the defense with length and made life difficult for Atlanta’s wings.

Atlanta Dream

• Rhyne Howard: 18 points, 6-16 FG, 3-10 from three, 6 rebounds — The offensive engine for Atlanta, though she cooled late under pressure.
• Brittney Griner: 18 points, 7-10 FG, 6 rebounds — Efficient on limited touches; a mismatch when she got post position.
• Naz Hillmon: 14 points, 4-6 FG, 4-5 FT — Active and aggressive off the bench, provided interior spark.
• Allisha Gray: 11 points, 4 assists — Consistent contributor but couldn’t convert late.

Turning Point

With 4:00 left and the game hanging at 72–71, the Sun strung together a five-possession sequence: Mabrey hit a deep wing three, Charles went to work inside for three straight scores, and Hartley forced a turnover that led to a fast-break finish. The 11–2 burst not only widened the lead but snatched momentum for good.

On Tour Magazine Analysis

• Marina Mabrey: Statement Made
  After a rough outing in New York, Mabrey responded with laser focus and a career-high scoring performance. She attacked off the bounce, found her mid-range rhythm, and hit clutch buckets that left Atlanta chasing. This was a defining game that reminded the league what she’s capable of when she's in rhythm.
• Tina Charles Is Still That Anchor
  Charles has embraced her leadership role without hesitation. In the final minutes, she controlled the block, demanded the ball, and executed with precision. Her presence gave Connecticut the late-game identity they've been searching for all season.
• Bria Hartley’s Floor General Performance
  Hartley was the stabilizer. While the spotlight stayed on Mabrey and Charles, she quietly ran the offense, made timely passes, and elevated the pace when needed. Her impact didn’t always show in the box score, but she was essential.
• Team Defense Finally Connects
  Saniya Rivers' perimeter effort on Rhyne Howard was key. The Sun made defensive adjustments early in the second half that led to poor spacing and contested looks for the Dream. This was the first game Connecticut consistently communicated and rotated as a unit.



What’s Next

• Connecticut Sun (3–6): The Sun travel to Washington on June 9 for a revenge shot against the Mystics, who spoiled their home opener back in May.
• Atlanta Dream (5–4): Atlanta heads home to take on the Minnesota Lynx on June 10 in what could be a pivotal battle in the Eastern standings.

Coverage by On Tour Magazine – storytelling the league can’t box out.