Connecticut Sun 84, Seattle Storm 77: Griner’s Historic Night Seals First Win

The Connecticut Sun snapped their 0-5 start with a hard-fought 84-77 win over the Seattle Storm in a pivotal Western Conference clash at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday. Brittney Griner, just one point away from 6,000 career points, led the way with 15 points, five rebounds, and a dominant interior presence as the Sun capitalized on Seattle’s injury-depleted frontcourt. Aneesah Morrow added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, helping Connecticut dominate the boards and secure their first victory of the 2026 season.

The Sun entered the game desperate for a win after five consecutive losses, and they showed renewed energy from the outset. Griner reached the historic 6,000-point milestone in the second quarter, capping off a career that has redefined WNBA scoring records. Her performance was instrumental in containing a shorthanded Seattle squad missing key contributors like Dominique Malonga (concussion protocol), Ezi Magbegor (foot), and Katie Lou Samuelson (knee).

Seattle leaned heavily on their perimeter stars, including Natisha Hiedeman and Flau'jae Johnson, who combined for 31 points. Hiedeman dropped 19 points, matching her season high, while Johnson added 12 points and five assists. Yet, the Storm’s lack of size in the frontcourt proved fatal, as Connecticut outrebounded Seattle 45-32 and held a 22-8 advantage in second-chance points.

Hailey Van Lith, a Washington native returning home for the first time since joining the Sun, contributed 11 points and three assists off the bench. The emotional homecoming for Van Lith added another layer of intrigue, but it was the Sun’s interior dominance that dictated the game’s flow. Griner and Morrow controlled the paint, with Griner recording three blocks and Morrow grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.

Connecticut’s win is a crucial step in their season-long pursuit of a playoff berth. The Sun now sit at 1-5, still in need of a strong push in the second half of the schedule, while the Storm fall to 1-4 and face a tough road to recovery with key players sidelined.

The Sun will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, May 23. The Storm, meanwhile, host the Chicago Sky on Friday, May 22, in another key home matchup during their four-game homestand.