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Boston Celtics’ season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers saw a crowd filled with big names. Among the attendees were former Celtics players like Paul Pierce, Dana Barros, and Leon Pau, alongside alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn and Patriots player Anfernee Jennings.
This time, there were also young players from the Connecticut Sun present, notably forward Aliyah Edwards and guard Saniyah Rivers, who were courtside and even holding a microphone during the game.
Rivers just completed his rookie season with the Sun, making a name for himself as a standout defender and versatile guard. Meanwhile, Edwards, who joined the team midway through last season, has been a valuable addition to the frontcourt and seems to be a key piece of the team’s young core going forward.
Both Rivers and Edwards expressed their excitement about being at the Celtics’ home opener, but unfortunately for fans, the Celtics fell short, losing 117-116 to the 76ers in a last-minute play.
For Rivers, the event held particular significance, as it marked his debut in an NBA game.
“This is amazing,” she said, reflecting on the moment. “I’m blessed.”
Even though she usually doesn’t attend NBA games, she has competed in several NBA arenas before, including tying her shoes at TD Garden during a game in July between the Sun and the Indiana Fever.
At 22, Rivers reminisced about the sold-out crowds at TD Garden during her time with the Sun.
“I was overstimulated,” she recalled with a smile. “Back when I was a freshman at South Carolina, there were 10,000 people in the stands. That was probably the most exhilarating crowd I’ve played in front of. Seeing the arena packed against Indiana was just wild.”
The thrilling atmosphere left Rivers feeling optimistic about the future of women’s basketball.
“That’s really what matters: expanding our reach,” she emphasized. “So, I think this was a great moment for our league.”
Sitting with the two players was Sun general manager Morgan Tuck, who shared her thoughts in a previous interview with SB Nation.
A homecoming (of sorts) for Aaliyah Edwards
Being back in the Northeast was enjoyable for Aaliyah Edwards, who had an impressive four-year stint at the University of Connecticut. After an outstanding collegiate career, she was drafted by the Washington Mystics in 2024, making Connecticut feel like home.
But in August, she was traded to the Sun, coming full circle.
“Honestly, we were thrilled to acquire her,” Tuck noted, also present at the game. “I wish we could have had her a bit earlier, but I’m grateful we managed to get her before the deadline.”
Edwards mentioned how many college fans have approached her since her arrival, expressing their excitement about her playing back in New England.
“I never imagined I’d get to play in Connecticut so soon,” Edwards said. “I’m just thankful to wear Connecticut on my chest again.”
However, unlike Rivers, Edwards didn’t play in the game against the Fever, as that roster was set before her midseason trade.
“I would have loved to be a part of it,” she commented about the experience at TD Garden. “The energy here is fantastic. This is the NBA’s home opener, and it really feels good to support our fellow team.”
Next season, the Sun will return to Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., which will likely also feature the annual game at TD Garden.
Beyond that, the future is somewhat uncertain. The franchise is up for sale, with Boston looking like a potential new home, but the WNBA has concerns about the Mohegans selling to a Boston group led by former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca.
Possible relocation targets like Hartford, Conn., and Houston, Texas, have been mentioned as ownership groups in those cities seek to secure teams. While the situation remains fluid, Rivers acknowledged that Tuck has kept everyone informed about the latest developments in the news.
It remains a possibility that Rivers and Edwards might end up playing regularly at TD Garden.
For now, the two Sun players enjoyed their time courtside for the Celtics’ season opener and were just thrilled to be there.
