The WNBA Finals start Sunday; the Connecticut Sun will face the Washington Mystics. Both teams finished the regular season with the best records in the WNBA.
The Mystics won the season series 3 games to 1. Washington is back in the WNBA Finals for a second straight season, last year they got swept by the Seattle Storm in the WNBA Finals. The Mystics beat the Las Vegas Aces in four games to advance to the FInals.
Connecticut Sun swept the Los Angeles Sparks in three games; the Sparks were no match for the Sun, who were much more physical and better coached than the Sparks. The Last time the Sun was in the WNBA Finals was in 2005 when they lost to the Sacramento Monarchs.
Washington Mystics
WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne leads the Mystics, she was not 100% healthy last year in the finals, and they lacked scoring depth, so the Storm blew past them. This year the Mystics are better, they have Emma Meesseman, who plays well off of Delle Donne. Meesseman can hit the open jumper and can even post up a little bit. In-game four against the Aces, Meesseman scored 22 points on 9 out 14 shooting. Connecticut also has other vital contributors Kristi Toliver, who has won a WNBA championship with the Los Angeles Sparks. Also, Natasha Cloud, Aerial Powers, and LaToya Sanders are crucial contributors.
Connecticut Sun
The Sun will counter with Jonquel Jones, she 6-foot-6 and is the leading scorer and rebounder for Connecticut. The Mystics do not have the size to bang with her. Jones hurt the Sparks with her rebounding and physical play. Her and Alyssa Thomas play an old school physical brand of basketball; if you are going inside, they will body you up. Courtney Williams averaged 13.2 points per game during the season, but she upped her game averaging 19 points per game against the Sparks. The Sun will need more of that from Williams, plus the energy she brings to the table.
Keys To Win
To win this series, the Sun will have to rebound well and play tough physical defense to slow down Delle Donne. Also, the Sun must continue to hit their three-point shots. Courtney Williams and Jasmine Thomas must have good games for the Sun to come out on top in this series.
For the Mystics to win, Elenna Delle Donne must play to her MVP level. Also, Washington must rebound well and not back down from the Connecticut Sun physical play. Players like Toliver and Cloud will be vital for Mystics to win the series. Meesseman will be the x-factor.
