A Rocky Start to the 2026 WNBA Campaign
The Connecticut Sun have opened the 2026 WNBA season with a mix of promise and setbacks, sitting at a modest record that reflects both the potential and the obstacles facing the franchise.
Key frontcourt players Brittney Griner and Olivia Nelson-Ododa have been sidelined by injury, forcing the team to lean on newcomers and internal options as they search for stability.
French point guard Leila Lacan, who began the year with EuroLeague commitments, made a swift comeback and immediately contributed 11 points and five assists in a win over the Atlanta Dream, signaling a boost to the backcourt.
Aneesah Morrow has emerged as a cornerstone, ranking fourth league‑wide in rebounds and stretching defenses with her three‑point threat, while teammates such as Diamond Miller, Saniya Rivers and Kennedy Burke add depth.
Coach Rachid Meziane has repeatedly stressed the need for consistency, urging the Sun to maintain focus for the full 40 minutes and to trust the process as they integrate new pieces.
A recent loss to the Dream highlighted a late‑game collapse, with Rhyne Howard exploding for 36 points, yet Meziane remains confident that the team’s resilience will translate into future success.
The Sun’s offensive identity — characterized by ball movement, energy and an inside‑out approach — continues to evolve, with Lacan serving as both a scorer and a playmaker.