Jasmine Thomas scores career-high 29, Sun top Storm 96-89

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Jasmine Thomas scored a career-high 29 points, Alyssa Thomas had 17 points and nine assists, and the Connecticut Sun beat the Seattle Storm 96-89 on Thursday night.

Connecticut led by 17 points early in the fourth quarter but Seattle pulled to 90-89 on Crystal Langhorne’s two free throws with 1:19 left. Shekinna Stricklen answered with a baseline jumper and, after a Seattle turnover, Jasmine Thomas made a layup for a five-point lead with 33 seconds left.

Stricklen and Jasmine Thomas each made four 3-pointers, and Stricklen finished with 14 points for Connecticut (7-7). Jasmine Thomas was 12 of 16 from the field and had six assists.

The Sun led 48-38 at halftime behind Jasmine Thomas’ 15 points and Alyssa Thomas’ 13.

Breanna Stewart had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Seattle (6-8). Jewell Loyd added 21 points, and Sue Bird moved within two assists of 2,500 for her career. Ticha Penicheiro, the only player ahead of Bird, holds the WNBA record with 2,599.