Brionna Jones has consistently scored in double figures for the Connecticut Sun this season, doing it 15 times in the last 19 games. It's a sign she's back to her old self a year after rupturing her right Achilles tendon. Jones credits her teammates for helping her have the confidence she's shown in stepping up for the Sun (17-5), who have the second-best record in the WNBA. "I knew that coming back in, it wasn't going to be easy trying to get back in shape, but it was easier when I had my teammates behind me and their support staying in my ear," Jones told the Hartford Courant. "They were like ‘Bri, you've got to take these shots. We need you to do this.' And I always want to do whatever I can for my team." Jones is averaging 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Sun, who host the Phoenix Mercury (12-11) on Sunday afternoon. Phoenix is coming off a 95-86 loss to the Indiana Fever Friday night despite a 36-point performance by Kahleah Copper. The Mercury are seeking their first win of the year over Connecticut, which beat the Mercury 70-47 on May 28 and 83-72 on July 1. It won't be easy to get that win, with the Mercury down to six healthy players after Brittney Griner went down with a hip injury in the first half against the Fever. Griner is averaging 18.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Diana Taurasi is still out as well as she battles a lower left leg issue. While Griner's immediate future is unknown, there seems to be hope Taurasi could soon return. The 20-year veteran is averaging 16.6 points per game. "Well, if you were to ask her, she'd probably tell you she's ready to go (against Indiana)," Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts told Desert Wave Media prior to Friday's game. "I would guess in the next couple of days that you'll see her. She's had a couple of good days of work, and we're headed in the right direction, which is exciting." In the last meeting between Phoenix and Connecticut, Copper and Griner scored 21 to lead the Mercury while Jones finished with 18 to pace the Sun. --Field Level Media
Jun 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones (42) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports