Connecticut Sun veteran guard Rachel Banham was feeling it this afternoon.
Banham knocked down a career-high eight 3-pointers as the Connecticut Sun rolled over the Phoenix Mercury 96-89. The eight triples tied a franchise record, matching Shekinna Stricklen‘s mark, and set the WNBA record for a player coming off the bench. She came within one three of the league record overall.
Banham, who came into the game averaging 3.9 points, finished with a season-high 24 points. All her points came from behind the arc, as she was 8 of 11.
“I mean, gosh, I just feel like I’ve been waiting for this,” Banham said after the game.
Before the game, Banham’s previous season-best marks were 16 points and three 3-pointers. She had only scored twice in her first 19 appearances in double-figures and hadn’t reached the 20-point mark since 2022. Her previous career-high for 3-pointers was seven, set in 2016.
Veteran Guard Sets A Couple Of Records With Long-Distance Accuracy
With the win, Connecticut (18-5) moves within 1.5 games behind the New York Liberty for the best record in the WNBA. The Sun, who fell to Liberty by three in their previous outing, received 37 points from their bench, which outscored their Mercury counterparts by 23. The Sun also improved to 10-3 at home.
Branham was joined in double-figures by DeWanna Bonner (17 points), Brionna Jones (16), and DiJonai Carrington (12 points and 11 rebounds). Ty Harris doled out a season-best seven assists and grabbed a career-best seven boards.
The Sun shot 47.4% from the field and held the Mercury to 40.6% shooting. The Sun also had the advantage in rebounds, turnovers, and fast break points. They outscored the Mercury 48-27 in the second half.
Meanwhile, Phoenix fell to 12-12 on the season and 4-8 on the road. It was the Mercury’s second straight setback and their third straight to the Sun this season. The Mercury have not lost four straight to the Sun and trail 32-24 in the all-time series.
On the positive, Phoenix did get three starters back for the game. Diana Taurasi, who scored six points and six rebounds, missed the previous three games due to a lower leg injury. Brittney Griner, who left in the second game in the last game, had 16 points and nine boards, while Natasha Cloud, who missed the previous contest, finished with 10 points and six assists. Kahleah Copper led the way for Mercury with 17 points.
Listing the Single-Game Mark for 3s For Each WNBA Active Team
Banham’s three-point feat marked the 15th time a WNBA player has made at least eight 3-pointers. Banham became the ninth player to do so.
Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Mitchell hold the league record with nine triples.
Seattle Storm- Jewell Loyd (9)
Loyd tied Mitchell’s mark a little over a year ago (July 11, 2023) against the Washington Mystics. Loyd, the fifth most proficient active 3-point shooter, tossed in 39 points on 11 of 22 shooting, including 9 of 16 from the 3-point line.
Loyd has made eight or more 3-pointers on three occasions.
Indiana Fever – Kelsey Mitchell (9)
Mitchell set the WNBA record on Sept. 8, 2019, against the Connecticut Sun. Mitchell scored 38 points against the Sun on 13 of 18 shooting from the field and 9 of 13 from deep. She is seventh on the league’s 3-point list among active players.
Minnesota Lynx – Kayla McBride (8)
Kayla McBride set the Lynx record with eight treys on June 7, 2024, against the Mercury. She finished the game with 25 points, going 8 of 15 from the field, including 8 of 13 from beyond the arc.
McBride is fourth on the league’s active list and 10th all-time.
New York Liberty -Sabrina Ionescu (8)
Sabrina Ionescu broke her own single-game record with eight treys on June 9 versus the Atlanta Dream.
Phoenix Mercury – Diana Taurasi and Leilani Mitchell (8)
Connecticut Sun – Rachel Banham and Shekinna Stricklen (8)
Atlanta Dream – Renee Montgomery (8)
Dallas Wings – Arike Ogunbowle and Satou Sabally (7)
Las Vegas Aces – Kelsey Plum (7)
Chicago Sky – Allie Quigley (7)
Washington Mystics – Ivory Latta (7)
