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How Are Connecticut Sun Players Staying Positive?

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Jun 22, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (4) and center Brittney Griner (42) react after a play against the Chicago Sky in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Jun 22, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (4) and center Brittney Griner (42) react after a play against the Chicago Sky in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Unfortunately for the Connecticut Sun, many of their recent games have followed the same pattern: three tight quarters, then a crumbling fourth quarter. 

Players and coaches are constantly left wondering how to get over the hump and finish better. Athletes got to their peaks by keeping a positive mindset, but when looking towards the rest of the team’s final season in Connecticut, how are the Sun’s players supposed to do that?

Sun Players Are Getting Help From the Fans

Despite starting the season with few wins, fans continue to show up for this team. Sun guard Saniya Rivers will often show love to fans game after game, no matter the outcome of the matchup they just witnessed. 

“We appreciate the support, win, lose or draw,” Rivers said in a one-on-one interview. “We play for 40 minutes, [so] I have five more minutes of energy just to come out there, sign some stuff, sign some autographs, [and] take some pictures.” 

Sun center Brittney Griner also discussed in a one-on-one interview why it’s important now more than ever to deliver to fans. 

“These fans in Connecticut have been so loyal throughout the year,” Griner said. “We hope that they know we’re working hard to [give them a good product]. After the games, we’re trying to sign as much as we can, so we can get some last autographs out.”

The Sun Community Is More Than a Fanbase 

After moving from Orlando in 2003, the Sun are finishing up their time in Connecticut after 23 years of playing basketball at Mohegan Sun Arena. The franchise created a dynasty. This is a team with a fanbase that has lasted decades. 

Specifically, Day 1 Season Ticket Holders are receiving an exclusive gift after being dedicated and staying loyal to this team since the start. There are also several games and events the Sun have already hosted or are hosting in the future to celebrate every crowd that shows up behind the basketball court. 

Upcoming Nights to Remember 

As the regular season wraps up in late September, the Sun are hosting two theme nights to honor their legacy. One of these games is the “Homecoming Game” matchup against the Minnesota Lynx on September 20. This promotion will help to honor the history of this team and all of the people behind it. 

Later on that week, the Connecticut Sun will play their last-ever regular-season game. That Thursday, September 24, is titled “Fan Appreciation Night”, where fans at the game will receive a free Connecticut Sun Commemorative Ticket. Based on the odds and currently holding a losing record, this very well may be the Sun’s last game ever. 

“Even though it’s the ‘Sunset Season’, we’re just hoping that they continue to show us love the rest of the way,” Rivers said. 

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Written by
Jane Guay

Hello! My name is Jane, and I am a part of the Boston University Class of 2029, where I am majoring in journalism in the College of Communication. Growing up in CT, I have been an avid Connecticut Sun fan for several years. Although I am writing on the CT Sun for The Lead, I have also gotten experience writing on BU's Men's and Women's Soccer and Basketball teams, as well as live commentating on BU's Men's and Women's Ice Hockey teams.

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