Lawson helps Sun top Liberty and win season opener

UNCASVILLE, Conn., May 25 – New Connecticut Sun coach Anne Donovan wants her team to be a better defensive team this season. After allowing 42 points in the first half, the Sun gave up just 27 in the second half to beat the New York Liberty, 81-69 in the season opener for both teams in front of over 7,600 at the Mohegan Sun Arena. 

For Donovan, it was her first game as coach of the Sun. She replaced Mike Thibault, who was fired after 10 years with the team last fall.

Sun guard Kara Lawson led Connecticut with a team-high 23 points, including dropping five 3-point shots. As a team, the Sun sank 10 3-point shots. The WNBA’s MVP from a year ago, Sun center Tina Charles had 19 points and 13 rebounds. 

“I’m really pleased with our second half – just the effort we had in the second half,” said Donovan, who earned his 168th career win in the WNBA. She previously coached in Seattle, Indiana, Charlotte and New York, winning a WNBA championship with Seattle in 2004.

Donovan was impressed with Lawson, who she has coached before with the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. “What a spark. She is a great energy player. She can change the tempo. Great leadership. Very effective,” Donovan said.

New York was missing starters Cheryl Ford and Plenette Pierson, who did not dress due to unspecified injuries. “We have to play with what we have,” Liberty coach Bill Laimbeer said. “I thought we kept the game under control in the first half, we were right there, we played hard, but in the second half turnovers are what is bothering us right now and the offensive rebounds got them rolling, without those I think it would have been a two-point game.”

Connecticut held a 42-40 lead at halftime. Kelsey Griffin and Allison Hightower each added 10 points for the Sun, who had five players in double figures.

Cappie Pondexter led New York with 23 points, including 16 in the first half. Rookie Kelsey Bone added 10 points and eight rebounds in her WNBA debut.

In an effort to help those devastated by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, the Sun will donate all proceeds from all tickets sold between Tuesday and this evening for its home opener against the Liberty to the American Red Cross.

“We are all saddened by the loss of life and destruction in Oklahoma,” Sun vice president and general manager Chris Sienko said. “Through our small efforts we can hopefully bring some relief to those in desperate need of assistance.”

Statistics from Saturday’s game against New York.