After a difficult opening night loss, Connecticut faces another early season test against a veteran Seattle roster on Sunday.
The Connecticut Sun will not have much time to dwell on their season-opening loss to the New York Liberty.
Just two days after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign, Connecticut returns to the floor Sunday for another major challenge against the Seattle Storm — a matchup that could provide an early look at how quickly this young Sun roster can respond to adversity.
Friday’s 106-75 defeat against New York exposed many of the expected growing pains surrounding Connecticut’s rebuild. The Sun struggled defensively against one of the league’s most explosive offenses and never fully settled into an offensive rhythm of their own. Turnovers, transition defense and inconsistent half-court execution all became major issues throughout the night.
But while the final score was difficult, Sunday presents a completely different opportunity.
Early-season games are often less about perfection and more about progress, especially for a roster learning how to play together in real time. For Connecticut, the matchup against Seattle becomes less about the standings and more about showing improvement in effort, chemistry and composure.
One of the biggest storylines entering the game will again center around veteran center Brittney Griner. The longtime WNBA star is expected to play a major leadership role for Connecticut this season, both on and off the court. Against New York, there were moments where Griner’s defensive presence altered shots and helped stabilize the paint, but the Sun struggled to consistently involve her offensively.
Facing Seattle could give Connecticut a better chance to establish a more balanced attack.
The Storm remain one of the league’s most experienced teams and continue to build around franchise cornerstone Nneka Ogwumike. Seattle’s combination of veteran leadership, defensive discipline and efficient ball movement will create another difficult test for a Connecticut team still adjusting to new systems and rotations.
That makes guard play especially important for the Sun.
Rookie Hailey Van Lith showed flashes of aggressiveness in her professional debut despite the lopsided scoreline Friday night. Against Seattle, Connecticut will likely need more consistent shot creation and improved decision-making from its backcourt to stay competitive for four quarters.
The Sun also need to improve defensively at the point of attack after New York repeatedly broke down Connecticut’s perimeter defense in transition. Seattle may not play at the same explosive pace as the Liberty, but the Storm excel at capitalizing on defensive mistakes and forcing opponents into uncomfortable half-court possessions.
For Connecticut head coach Rachid Meziane, Sunday’s game will also be another opportunity to evaluate lineups and rotations. One of the challenges of rebuilding teams is finding combinations that can defend, rebound and generate enough offense simultaneously. Early-season experimentation is expected, especially with so many new pieces adjusting to expanded roles.
Emotionally, the game carries importance too.
This season already feels unlike any other in franchise history. With the organization expected to relocate after the year, every game now exists alongside larger conversations about the future of professional women’s basketball in Connecticut. Fans are watching not only for wins and losses, but for signs that the next generation of Sun players can create meaningful momentum before the franchise enters its next chapter.
That process will take time.
Connecticut is not expected to contend immediately against veteran championship-caliber teams like New York or Seattle. But competitive stretches, improved defensive execution and visible growth from younger players would represent important steps forward only one week into the season.
Sunday’s matchup may not define the year for the Sun.
But it could reveal how quickly this new era is beginning to take shape.