The second game in the hectic Connecticut Sun schedule awaits the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday. After an impressive 96-85 road victory against the Mystics, they host the Storm back-to-back. However, the momentum heading into the contest isn’t ideal for the home team. A lot of it has to do with a scary incident transpiring on the court involving their veteran Alyssa Thomas.

Last season’s MVP runner-up Thomas was all set to build on the opening quarter’s 20-14 lead. Unfortunately, attempting to screen Mystics’ Karlie Samuelson didn’t go as planned for the 32-year-old as her leg collided with Samuelson’s. Following this, she grabs hold of her leg experiencing some agonizing pain. Soon after, she was helped off the court and was unable to make a return in the latter stages of the game. Her 7 minutes on the hardwood went scoreless eventually.

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Following the instance, Sun head coach Stephanie White released an official statement. “She’s sore. We’re going to get her reevaluated to see how she feels for (Sunday, when the Sun hosts Seattle). But not really something we wanted to chance. We want to make sure she’s healthy and ready to go,” she said.

Thomas has been a quintessential part of Connecticut’s success so far. Seemingly, she is leading the locker room in rebounding (9.0) and assists (7.8) this season. Her absence will put added responsibility on the shoulders of  DeWanna Bonner. She’s fresh off a career milestone by becoming the fourth all-time leading scorer in the WNBA. She would need such a thrust considering what lies ahead.

The Sun host Seattle without Alyssa Thomas

The Sun are 6-4 in their last 10 games. After losing to the Fever, they bounced back with an impressive win against the Mystics on the road. Averaging 79.9 points and 33.6 rebounds, Connecticut would want to make the most of their home conditions. Moreover, apart from Thomas, the team’s No.3 Tiffany Mitchell will also be a game-time decision. Mitchell missed out on the Mystics game because of illness.

As for the Storm, they have a 50% success rate in their previous 10 games. Currently scoring 83.5 points per contest, they will be entering the game on the back of a loss at the hands of the Liberty. Already in the playoff, a win for Seattle will get their campaign a good boost.

The Connecticut Sun will indeed find it challenging without Alyssa Thomas. The experienced campaigner has made instrumental contributions in each of the Sun’s games so far. It remains to see how they execute their plans if Thomas misses out.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.