When you talk about big game energy in the WNBA, it doesn’t get much more electrifying than the Connecticut Sun stepping back into Boston’s legendary TD Garden — and this time, they’re doing it against one of the sport’s hottest tickets, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
But make no mistake: the Sun aren’t just showing up to take part. They’re showing up to show out.
For Bria Hartley, this upcoming matchup isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s a full-circle moment. A star who once dazzled in sold-out arenas at UConn and played on basketball’s grandest stages at Madison Square Garden with the New York Liberty, Hartley is soaking in the excitement of finally getting her shot at Boston’s TD Garden.
“I’m really, really excited to play there,” Hartley said with a wide smile after their game against the Sparks on Sunday. “It’s a unique opportunity. I’ve spent a lot of time in Boston — my son’s father went to Boston College, my brother lives there. I’ve heard how packed the Garden was last year, and I can’t wait to get out there in front of that crowd.”
The energy will be electric once again when the Sun tip off against the Fever Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN and available to stream via ESPN+.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Just a year ago, the Connecticut Sun made WNBA history by hosting the league’s first-ever game at TD Garden — a 69–61 win over the Los Angeles Sparks in front of a sold-out 19,125-seat crowd. That game was loud, proud, and most importantly, a statement: the WNBA has a home in Boston, and the Connecticut Sun are staking their claim as New England’s team.
And now, it’s round two.
🌟 What’s New This Time?
Well, for starters, it’s Caitlin Clark. The Fever’s rookie sensation and college basketball legend will likely be playing her biggest regular-season game yet in front of a roaring, sold-out Boston crowd. But don’t forget — the Sun already beat Indiana once this year, pulling off an 85–83 win on the road on May 30. Sure, Clark was sidelined with a quad injury, but that victory still set the tone.
Fast forward to the rematch in Indianapolis on June 17 — Clark was back, and so was the heat. Indiana took that one 88–71, but not without drama. The game got feisty, with tempers flaring and three players getting tossed after a fourth-quarter altercation — including Sun guard Lindsay Allen and rookie Jacy Sheldon.
Expect some edge when these teams meet again.
🚨 Rookie Watch: Saniya Rivers is Turning Heads
While much of the attention has been on Clark, Connecticut’s rookie Saniya Rivers has been quietly building her own breakout campaign. The No. 8 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft dropped a career-high 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting in Sunday’s game against the Sparks, adding six rebounds and three steals to her growing resume.
“I think I’ve had like a mental shift,” Rivers said. “I’m not sure what clicked, but I’m glad it did... I’m just blessed my teammates trust me to get me the ball.”
Since July began, Rivers has been on fire, averaging:
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13.3 points
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4.8 rebounds
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3 assists
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2.5 steals
She’s leading all WNBA rookies in blocks and steals. Let that sink in.
💥 Bria Hartley: Vintage Performance Incoming?
Veteran leadership? That’s where Bria Hartley comes in. Against the Sparks, Hartley turned back the clock with 25 points and six assists — her highest-scoring game in nearly five years. She was in total control, aggressive off the dribble, and found her spots with confidence.
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Aneesah Morrow chipped in with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Jacy Sheldon added 11 points and missed just one shot.
Yes, they lost 92–88, but this is a very different Connecticut team than the one that stumbled through a 10-game losing streak earlier this season.
“A month ago, we were losing by 30 points,” head coach Rachid Meziane noted postgame. “Now, we’re right there. This road trip showed us that we’re starting to play as a team.”
🔁 From Struggles to Signs of Life
Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Sun’s season has had more potholes than smooth pavement. Their 3–18 record might not reflect it, but the improvement is real.
They snapped that brutal 10-game skid with a statement win over the Seattle Storm last Wednesday. Even when they lost the rematch, four players scored in double digits, and they held the Storm under 80 points — something they’d only done three times all season prior.
There’s a growing belief that this young, retooled roster is finally figuring it out.
👀 Subplots That Add Spice
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Revenge Tour? Indiana’s last win was chippy. Will emotions boil over again?
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Coach Drama: Indiana’s Stephanie White, now coaching the Fever, was Connecticut’s head coach just last year. She’s returning to face her old team, on their biggest stage of the year.
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Passing the Torch: The Sun’s current head coach Rachid Meziane is still in his rookie WNBA season, and so far, he’s navigating the storm admirably. With every close game, his squad looks more unified and competitive.
“We’re playing better and better,” Meziane added. “We feel more confident that we can compete with this Indiana team. It’s a big moment — playing in the Garden, in front of all those fans.”
🏀 Game Info: Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever
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Date: Tuesday, July 16
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Time: 8 p.m. ET
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Location: TD Garden, Boston
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TV: ESPN
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Streaming: ESPN+
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Records:
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Connecticut Sun (3–18)
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Indiana Fever (11–10)
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Last Meeting: June 17 – Fever won 88–71
🌟 Why This Game Matters
It’s not just about the win or loss column. This is about growth, identity, and staking a claim. For Connecticut, playing in Boston is about more than just proximity — it’s about belonging.
It’s about showing New England that this team is worth rooting for, week in and week out.
And with rising rookies, a hungry vet like Hartley turning up, and a confident coach pushing all the right buttons, this team might just be on the verge of something special.
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