Emotions were at an all-time high in the Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday as the curtains were called on the Connecticut Sun franchise. After two decades in the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun played their final home game against the Toronto Tempo. An emotional Aaliyah Edwards capped off what everyone in the arena felt as the Sun won the game 95-81.
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“It’s just my heart. My heart is beating fast. My heart is just so happy. I’m happy that we were able to get one final win for the fans because they deserve it. Listen, this is a basketball capital. This is a basketball capital of the world, baby. Don’t ever forget,” said Edwards per espnW on X.
Connecticut clearly holds a special place in Edwards’ heart, as she has played for four years at the University of Connecticut under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. She even became the first player since Maya Moore to score 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game. The state of Connecticut prides itself on being the basketball capital of the world, boasting 18 national titles between the UConn Men’s and women’s teams.
Joining Edwards in giving their tributes, the NBA rolled back the years as they shared a WNBA post that had a highlight reel of the Connecticut Sun franchise.
“End of an era in CT ☀️The @ConnecticutSun host @TempoBasketball
tonight for their final game in the state,” read the caption of NBA’s post.
The WNBA and NBA were joined by numerous others as they recounted the storied years of Connecticut Sun’s presence in the league.
“‘It’s officially … sunset.’ 🥺The Connecticut Sun have played their final game at Mohegan Sun Arena,” read the post by espnW.
The Connecticut Sun will now move to Houston, after it was earlier announced on March 30 that the Mohegan Tribe had sold the franchise to Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the Houston Rockets. It is reported that the Connecticut Sun, after their relocation, will be a revived version of the Houston Comets.
In Connecticut, the Sun have had a good franchise record, finishing with 461-375 in their favor. This includes four trips to the WNBA Finals and 16 playoff appearances. The Sun have also hosted the WNBA All-Star Games in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2015.
General Manager Morgan Tuck remained grateful for what the franchise has achieved over the last 24 years.
“It’s bittersweet,” Tuck said. “To think all the years this team has been here and … the legacy. For myself, to think back 10 years ago, that I got drafted right in our arena. It brings back a lot of really, really good memories. It’s really surreal …. it’s sad.”
As part of its final season festivities, the Sun brought several of its legends to honor them for their contributions. This included Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Lindsay Whalen, and Tina Charles.
The Connecticut Sun leave behind a lasting legacy not just for the city, but for the WNBA as a whole. Veterans from across the aisle have recognized their contribution over the years in taking women’s basketball further. UConn is equally responsible for the growth of basketball under Auriemma. They have given us legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles and Maya Moore, while also adding current names like Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.
Despite Kiki Rice scoring a game high of 28 points for the Tempo, the energy at Mohegan Sun Arena seemed to propel the Sun to their final victory. Edwards logged 16 points, while Raegan Beers added 17 more. But the highest scorer for the Sun came off the bench, in the form of Ashlon Jackson, who scored a team-high 18 points.
As the final whistle blew, Brittney Griner took the court, waving the Connecticut Sun flag fervently in the arena.
For fans such as Cass Meehan, the memories will live on.
“I remember the energy in the arena. I knew it was Mohegan’s team we were cheering for,” Meehan said, per AP.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not a good year and they’re not winning or whatever,” Meehan said. “The team is special and the fan base is special.”
The attention now shifts to the WNBA playoffs, as the regular season draws to a close.