Battle in Seattle
08/19/2022
By: Jeff Yoder
Sun Blow out Wings, Storm edge out Mystics
Another pair of Game 1s in the WNBA playoffs had vastly different results, as the Sun blew out the Wings while the Storm squeaked by the Mystics. Both teams are now one win away from advancing to the semifinals.
Don’t let the score fool you, this game was somewhat competitive through the first half. However, a big third quarter from The Sun ultimately propelled themselves to victory. While they had five players score double figures, it was Connecticut’s defense that allowed them to break the game open in the second half, holding the Wings to zero field goals for over five minutes in the third quarter.
#4 Storm def. #5 Mystics (86-83)
Despite missing 11 games during the regular season due to injury, Elena Delle Donne returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and dominated, scoring 26 points largely off of one on one isolation. Unfortunately for her and the Mystics, the Storm had an answer for her brilliance, as Jewell Loyd capped off a big fourth quarter by hitting a go-ahead runner with 38 seconds left to lift Seattle to victory. Breanna Stewart also had a monster game, tallying 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead the way for the Storm.
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Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images