Round 2: WNBA Playoff Recaps

09/27/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

Mercury Top Storm in Playoff Thriller (85-80, OT); Sky Upset Lynx on the Road (89-76)

The WNBA Playoffs tipped off Round 2 on Sunday, and both underdogs pulled the upsets on the road. The Mercury edged out the Storm in an overtime stunner before the Sky ran away from the Lynx despite a rough shooting night from 3-point range. Here are your WNBA recaps and a look-ahead to the semifinals this week.

 

WNBA Playoffs (Round 2)

 

#5 Mercury def. #4 Storm (85-80, OT)

A thriller in Seattle pitted two of the WNBA’s all-time legends in Sue Bird vs. Diana Taurasi for a spot in the semifinals. It was Bird who buried the game-tying 3 in the final minute to force OT (73-73). In the extra period, the Mercury took over and outscored the Storm 7-2 in the final two minutes for the win. Britney Griner was the star of the game with 23 points and 16 rebounds, but Skylar Diggins-Smith added 20 points, 7 boards and 6 dimes.

 

#6 Sky def. #3 Lynx (89-76)

The Chicago Sky are advancing into the semis after a pull-away win against the Lynx in Round 2. Chicago shot just 25 percent from 3-point range while the Lynx hit 50 percent of their triples. It didn’t matter. The Sky took a six-point advantage into the 4th quarter before extending the lead to double digits. They had five players in double figures, and none were named Candace Parker. Courtney Vandersloot led the way with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

 

WNBA Semifinals Schedule (Best-of-5)

#1 Sun vs. #6 Sky (Tues. 8:00 pm ET)

#2 Aces vs. #5 Mercury (Tues. 10:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Diana Taurasi & Sue Bird Embrace & Swap Jerseys (Video)

Yahoo! Sports: Lynx’s Sylvia Fowles Wins DPOY for Record 4th Time