With the Dream fighting near the top of the Eastern Conference and former Sun star Brionna Jones watching from the sidelines, Connecticut faces another difficult test at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Connecticut Sun will return to Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday night when they host the Atlanta Dream in a matchup that brings together two teams heading in very different directions.
The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on August 13, will see the Sun enter at 8-23 while Atlanta comes in at 20-12.
For Connecticut, the matchup represents another opportunity to build momentum during the final stretch of the regular season. The Sun have struggled to find consistency this season, but with several weeks remaining on the schedule, there is still an opportunity for the young roster to gain valuable experience against one of the league’s stronger teams.
Atlanta, meanwhile, has established itself as one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. The Dream’s 20-12 record has them firmly in the playoff picture, making Thursday’s game another chance to strengthen their position heading toward the postseason.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Thursday’s matchup will take place away from the court. Brionna Jones will not be available for Atlanta as she continues to recover from a meniscus injury, but her presence will still be felt around the matchup.
Jones spent the first eight seasons of her WNBA career with Connecticut before joining the Dream in 2025. During her time with the Sun, she became one of the most important players in franchise history and established herself as one of the league’s premier interior players.
Her move to Atlanta added an interesting layer to the rivalry between the two teams. Jones faced her former team during her first season with the Dream, including a game in which she recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds against Connecticut.
Now, Jones is watching from the sidelines as she works her way back to the court. Jones suffered a meniscus injury while playing overseas in January and underwent surgery. While she has continued to work through her rehabilitation, she has also embraced a leadership role with the Dream, helping younger players and offering perspective from the bench.
That leadership has become an important part of Atlanta’s season. Jones was an All-Star for the Dream in 2025 and played all 44 games for the team last season. Her return would give Atlanta another experienced presence as it prepares for a postseason run.
For the Sun, the challenge will be finding ways to slow down an Atlanta team that has plenty of offensive firepower and size.
Connecticut will need a strong defensive effort from the opening tip, particularly against Atlanta’s frontcourt. The Sun will also have to take care of the basketball and capitalize on offensive opportunities against a Dream team that has spent much of the season competing near the top of the standings.
The Sun’s current roster features a mix of young talent and veteran experience, including Brittney Griner, Aaliyah Edwards, Raegan Beers and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
Thursday’s matchup should provide another valuable test for that group. For Connecticut, the goal is bigger than simply adding another win. The final portion of the season gives the Sun an opportunity to evaluate their young players, develop chemistry and establish the foundation for what comes next.
For Atlanta, the stakes are different. With the postseason approaching, every game becomes increasingly important as the Dream look to maintain their position among the Eastern Conference’s best.
The Sun and Dream have already become familiar opponents, but Thursday’s meeting carries a different feel. Atlanta is chasing playoff positioning. Connecticut is looking to finish the season strong and continue developing its young core. And sitting somewhere between the two storylines is Jones, a former face of the franchise who remains connected to both teams.
While she will not be on the court Thursday, Jones’ history with Connecticut adds another layer to an already intriguing matchup. When the ball goes up at Mohegan Sun Arena, however, the focus will shift entirely to the players on the floor.
For the Sun, it will be another opportunity to show what this group can become. And against one of the WNBA’s top teams, there may be no better test.
