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Connecticut Sun focusing on picking up the pace in training camp

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Connecticut Sun focusing on picking up the pace in training camp


After ending lifeless final within the WNBA in tempo in 2021, the Connecticut Solar are centered on dashing issues up this season.

“It’s our phrase this 12 months,” Solar head coach and normal supervisor Curt Miller mentioned of tempo Monday following the crew’s second day of coaching camp. “It’s a part of our pillar.”

Miller mentioned the sluggish tempo was intentional final season, because the Solar performed closely via WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones and the WNBA’s Most Improved Participant Brionna Jones down low. With the offseason acquisition of Courtney Williams, who beforehand performed for the franchise from 2016-19, and Alyssa Thomas again wholesome, taking part in sooner will likely be an enormous focus. The important thing for the crew this season will likely be combining these two ideas in order that publish gamers are nonetheless getting sufficient touches.

“It’ll be a piece in progress,” Miller mentioned. “… There’s going to be a high quality line. It’s simple simply to say we’re going to play sooner, we’re going to play with extra tempo. There’s nonetheless received to be an intent to play via one of the best gamers on this planet which might be on our crew.”

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One among Miller’s teaching mantras is “unintended penalties.” He acknowledges that one other unintended consequence of taking part in at a sooner tempo is turnovers. So, over the offseason, he and his employees went via final 12 months’s movie and gathered clips the place the Solar turned the ball over in transition in an effort to right these errors, together with limiting empty possessions and compelled photographs.

Enjoying an up-tempo fashion of basketball was additionally on Miller’s thoughts when scouting this 12 months’s draft class and figuring out which gamers to herald on coaching camp contracts. He mentioned he deliberately selected athletes who thrived in transition.

Miller has been “actually happy” with the crew’s first two draft picks, Nia Clouden (Michigan State) and Jordan Lewis (Baylor), via the beginning of camp. Clouden has been significantly spectacular in regard to tempo.

“Nia Clouden is as marketed. She will actually rating the basketball,” Miller mentioned.

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“She’s performed with a tempo that she will be able to discover success early in camp. That’s uncommon — the composure, the poise that she has to not get sped up.”

Guard Natisha Hiedeman mentioned she’s been impressed with the newcomers and the way aggressive camp has been. With most of the crew’s veterans nonetheless abroad, she has taken it upon herself to be extra of a pacesetter with these gamers. Hiedeman’s season in Russia was lower quick because of the conflict with Ukraine, which additionally allowed her to work extra on her power and agility, which interprets immediately into the fashion of play the Solar are striving for.

“Each day I used to be within the weight room,” Hiedeman mentioned. “The primary two days of coaching camp, I’m already seeing, like simply me being explosive and simply up and down the courtroom flying.”

With a sooner tempo in thoughts and a core of gifted gamers returning, Hiedeman says the target for the Solar this 12 months is obvious.

“We need to grasp that banner up in right here,” Hiedeman mentioned. “That’s actually what we’ve been attempting to do. That’s our finish purpose. However on the identical time we’re not attempting to maneuver too far forward. We’re simply attempting to take it daily, apply by apply, recreation by recreation — however on the finish our purpose is to win a championship.”

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With many veterans nonetheless abroad, Miller additionally supplied an replace on the crew’s coaching camp arrivals on Monday. He was significantly happy to have Jonquel Jones current for the primary time in a number of years, after her season abroad was additionally lower quick.

“I’m not going to take the smile off my face all the day. I imply, JJ is in camp,” Miller mentioned. “You possibly can really feel a pep in her step, simply really feel like she’s in a superb place mentally. And he or she simply modified the entire vibe right now in day two — her presence, her management, you may really feel her voice. … I pinched myself how fortunate we’re to have her in camp.”

Jasmine Thomas has arrived again in the US and is anticipated to return to camp in Connecticut someday this week. It stays to be seen when she is going to truly begin training with the crew, although.

“We are going to work along with her and be affected person along with her,” Miller mentioned.

Beatrice Mompremier’s season in Hungary has ended. She is presently coping with some passport points in getting overseas, however Miller mentioned the Solar are hopeful she’ll have the ability to depart [Tuesday] on a flight to Miami. He isn’t certain when she’ll arrive in Connecticut.

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“That may doubtlessly then power us into a primary lower in some unspecified time in the future,” Miller mentioned of Jasmine Thomas and Mompremier’s arrivals. “Possibly on the finish of the week.”

Brionna Jones and Alyssa Thomas are competing on the identical crew within the Czech Republic. Their membership is up two video games in a finest of 5 sequence and can play the third recreation Tuesday. In the event that they win to finish the sequence, Miller mentioned each would “tentatively” arrive in Connecticut by April 24 and undergo medical testing on the twenty fifth earlier than being cleared to apply.

“We might have 4 extra folks again into camp possibly as early because the twenty fifth,” Miller mentioned. “We’re creeping in the suitable course, knock on wooden.”

As for the timing for the arrivals DeWanna Bonner and Yvonne Anderson, who’s on a coaching camp contract, Miller mentioned he has “no concept.”

Lila Bromberg could be reached at lbromberg@courant.com and @LilaBBromberg on Twitter.

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Connecticut

Hundreds get flu shot at free clinic in Farmington

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Hundreds get flu shot at free clinic in Farmington


Hundreds of people rolled up their sleeves today to get a free flu shot in Farmington.

For the 7th year, NBC and Telemundo Connecticut teamed up with ProHealth Physicians for a free, drive-thru flu shot clinic. 

The clinic started at 10 this morning, but people started lining up as early as eight in the morning to get their shots.

“I do it for others because I do not want to give anyone else the flu,” said Marguerite Rose of West Hartford as she waited online for her flu shot. “We figured we could zip in and get our flu shot and that’s why we’re here,” she said.

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“Very convenient right around the corner from the house, no hassles,” said Debi Koch of New Britian, who also was waiting online bright and early. “It’s an in-and-out shop,” she said.

ProHealth Physicians had 350 flu vaccines and 100 high dose shots to give out to the community for free and with no insurance needed.

“It’s the safest way to keep yourself safe for the winter,” said Dr. Stephen Traub, CEO of ProHealth Physicians.

The CDC says the flu can spread year-round, but its spreading spikes from December through February.

That’s why experts recommend now is the time to get your shot. 

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“The flu shot gets updated every year based on predictions of what strains of influenza are going to be,” said Traub.

The shots can cause minor aches and other symptoms, but doctors say that’s just the vaccine building your immunity. They say the flu shot will not give you flu, and any minor side effects from the vaccine are better than the actual virus. 

“It’s about 7 days probably of misery fevers aches and chills and missed work if you don’t have the flu shot,” said Dr. Joy Hong of ProHealth Physicians.

People over the age of 65 or those who have preexisting conditions are especially encouraged to get the shot too.

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Police shoot man who allegedly stabbed Bridgeport officer

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Police shoot man who allegedly stabbed Bridgeport officer


Police shot a man brandishing a knife in Bridgeport early Saturday morning.

Officers responded to the 100 block of Terry Place for a report of an emotionally disturbed person, according to police.

When they arrived, they found a man with a knife. Police shot the man, who was then rushed to the hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

It is not clear how many officers were involved or how many fired their weapons.

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Police have identified the man as 45-year-old Huntly Jackson, of Bridgeport.

According to police, Jackson is under arrest, charged with criminal attempted murder, first-degree assault, assault on a public safety officer, second-degree threatening, interfering/resisting arrest, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

Bridgeport police also said one of the responding officers was stabbed in the shoulder, neck and head by the suspect. The officer was taken to the hospital for treatment but has since been released.

The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the shooting along with the State Police Western District Major Crimes Squad.

The officer or officers involved in the incident have been placed on modified duty, according to police.

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WNBA playoffs: Resurgent Las Vegas rout New York to keep title defense alive

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WNBA playoffs: Resurgent Las Vegas rout New York to keep title defense alive


Jackie Young scored 24 points and the Las Vegas Aces took control with a 16-point third-quarter run Friday night to stave off elimination with a 95-81 win over the New York Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA semi-finals.

The Liberty, who lead the series 2-1, will get another shot at closing out the two-time defending champion Aces on Sunday. If Las Vegas wins that, a winner-take-all Game 5 will be Tuesday in New York.

This was the Aces’ 12th consecutive home playoff victory, breaking the WNBA record shared by the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-04) and Sacramento Monarchs (2003-06).

Las Vegas finally beat the Liberty for the first this time year. New York won all three regular-season meetings and the first two games of this series.

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In addition, Kelsey Plum scored 20 points, A’ja Wilson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, Tiffany Hayes finished with 11 points and Chelsea Gray totaled 10 points and seven assists. The Aces shot 52.1%, including 40.6% from the three-point line.

Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 19 points, Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally each scored 11 points and Leonie Fiebich had 10 points.

Sabrina Ionescu, who entered the game averaging 24.5 points in the playoffs, was held to four points on 1-of-7 shooting. She was shut out until a minute into the fourth quarter when she made a technical free throw.

A back-and-forth first half quickly became one-sided in the third quarter when the Aces turned a 57-53 lead into a 73-53 advantage. New York went 7:36 between field goals and scored just six points in the period. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello called two timeouts to try to stop the Aces’ momentum.

Las Vegas extended its lead to 78-55 early in the fourth quarter to cap a 21-2 run.

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The game looked like it could go either way when the second half began. Both teams went back and forth in the first 30 minutes, which featured 18 lead changes and eight ties.

The Aces played without Kiah Stokes, who suffered a concussion toward the end of Game 3.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić sat courtside next to teammate Dereck Lively II, coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison. The Mavericks’ training camp was in Las Vegas this week. Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, one of the Heisman Trophy front runners, also were in attendance.

Minnesota Lynx 90-81 Connecticut Sun

After struggling in the last game offensively, Napheesa Collier wasn’t going to let it happen again.

The Lynx’s star scored 26 points and Minnesota beat the Connecticut Sun 90-81 on Friday night to take a 2-1 advantage in their best-of-five semi-final matchup.

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“Everyone has an off night and I try to contribute in other ways to help the team,” said Collier, who had only nine points on 3-of-14 shooting in Game 2.

She has put in the work all season on both ends of the court and the league’s runner-up for MVP had the confidence to know the poor shooting game was a one-off.

With Connecticut making a run late, Collier also made three straight plays to change the momentum and seal the win.

Minnesota led 81-73 with 3:03 left when she scored, then got a deflection on the other end and capped it off by hitting Alanna Smith for a three-pointer to make it a 13-point game.

“It’s crunch time, I knew I had to be aggressive especially in one-on-one coverage,” Collier said. “Then, you know, just being the same on the other side, we really had to be aggressive. They were playing with desperation at the end.”

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Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, left, scored 26 points in Friday’s win over the Connecticut Sun in Game 3 of the WNBA semi-finals. Photograph: Jessica Hill/AP

Game 4 is Sunday in Connecticut with the Lynx looking to advance to the WNBA finals for the first time since 2017. That season ended in the fourth of Minnesota’s championships during a seven-year stretch. Game 5 would be in Minnesota on Tuesday night if necessary.

Collier had 16 in the first half on Friday night and was aggressive from the start. Minnesota led by seven after one quarter and 48-36 at the half thanks to Collier, who made seven of her 10 shots in the opening 20 minutes.

The Sun tried to rally, cutting the deficit to seven on a three-point play by Marina Mabrey midway through the third quarter. But that’s as close as they got.

“Tough one for us. They do what they wanted to do on the offensive end of the floor,” Connecticut coach Stephanie White said. “We didn’t do a good enough job getting us prepared to play today. We got outplayed, outexecuted and outcoached.”

Brionna Jones, who had just eight points combined in the first two games, led Connecticut with 21.

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DeWanna Bonner scored 16 for the Sun to move into second place on the WNBA career postseason scoring list in the third quarter. She passed Candace Parker, who had 1,149 during her illustrious career. Bonner now has 1,159 points, moving ahead of Parker by hitting a free throw with 1:36 left in the quarter. Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi is the leader with 1,455.

All five of the Sun starters scored in double figures, but they got little contribution from the bench. The Sun reserves were outscored 16-4 by their Minnesota counterparts.

The first two games featured a chippiness between the teams, who pride themselves on playing physical defense. They were the two best defensive teams in the regular season – the Sun allowed an average of 73.6 points per game, the Lynx 75.6.

There had been hard fouls on both sides in the two games in Minnesota. There wasn’t much of that at all in Game 3.

“I just thought it was across the board a slugfest,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said of the first two games. “And I’m quite sure they felt the same.”

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There’s also been a lot of trash talk on the court especially between Courtney Williams and Mabrey. The pair were teammates in Chicago last year and say that it’s just on-court fun and there’s no bad blood between them.



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