The Connecticut Sun entered the 2026 season hoping to turn the page on a difficult 2025 campaign, but their season opener against the New York Liberty delivered a stark reminder of how far they still have to go. In front of a roaring crowd at Barclays Center, the Liberty stormed out of the gates with an 8-0 run that forced Sun coach Rachid Meziane to call a timeout just two minutes into the game. The brief pause did little to slow New York's momentum, and by the end of the first quarter, Connecticut found itself down by 20 points. The final score—106-75—reflected a game that was never truly competitive.
Leading the charge for the Liberty was Breanna Stewart, who delivered a masterclass performance in her home opener. The UConn legend and reigning WNBA Finals MVP poured in 31 points, hauled in 10 rebounds, and added three blocks, reminding everyone why she remains one of the most dominant forces in the league. French guard Marine Johannes was equally electric, knocking down five 3-pointers on her way to 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Together, they powered a New York offense that seemed unstoppable from the opening tip.
For the Sun, there were few bright spots on an otherwise forgettable night. Forward Diamond Miller led Connecticut with 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting, showing flashes of the scoring ability that made her a top draft pick. However, superstar center Brittney Griner struggled to find her rhythm against the Liberty's loaded frontcourt, finishing with 13 points and six rebounds in her debut with the Sun. The team's inexperience was on full display, particularly in that disastrous first quarter, where five turnovers led to 10 Liberty points and New York outscored Connecticut 12-0 on fast-break opportunities.
Coach Meziane took a bold approach by giving significant minutes to his trio of rookies, but the young guards quickly learned what life in the WNBA is all about. Charlisse Leger-Walker had her "Welcome to the league" moment in the first quarter when she drove for a layup only to have it swatted away by 6-foot-6 former MVP Jonquel Jones. Gianna Kneepkens, meanwhile, struggled to keep up with the Liberty's pace on the defensive end, a reminder that even the most talented college players face a steep learning curve against seasoned pros. For the Sun, the road ahead is long—but this season is just beginning.