Jonquel Jones treated fans in Washington, D.C. with a performance they were used to seeing when George Washington was the name on the front of her jersey. She had a monstrous double-double, 32 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Connecticut Sun past the Washington Mystics 99-87 for a Game 2 victory. The series is now tied at one a piece as the WNBA Finals moves to Connecticut for Games 3&4.
Alyssa Thomas lived up to her "Baby Bron" nickname earned during her tenure at the University of Maryland with another well rounded effort while playing all 40 minutes of this contest. She tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in the win. Courtney Williams continued to provide scoring as she also scored 20 plus points (22) on the evening.
Jones became the first player in WNBA Finals History to record 32 points and 18 rebounds, including the most offensive rebounds in Finals history with nine. The Sun also tied a Finals record by having three players score at least 20 points in a game. The Sun set the tone physically and the Mystics couldn't match it, Connecticut's starters overwhelmed Washington's and that was the difference outside of the lopsided totals on the glass that favored the Sun.
The Mystics experienced adversity early in this one when Elena Delle Donne exited the game in the first quarter with back spasms. Washington's Head Coach Mike Thibault answered questions about her injury following the game.
"She's going to get an MRI tomorrow on her back. It didn't look good, so we'll see. We'll see what the MRI says and treatment tomorrow. The only good thing, I didn't look forward to having four days between games, but right now that looks like a benefit that we didn't have at the start of the series.
We'll see. But I have no idea right now, and we won't have anything probably for a couple days until we see what the tests show and what treatment looks like."
Tianna Hawkins provided a big lift for the Mystics, scoring 16 points. The trio of her, Emma Meesseman, and Aerial Powers scored a combine 50 points. They were a huge reason Washington was able to get back into the game after going down by double digits early.
It was the little things, sometimes it's just that simple and if Washington wishes to win Game 3, it starts with doing those little things. Blocking out, diving for loose balls, and just outworking their opponents. When you're missing an MVP, the margin for error shrinks and you can't get stops without securing the rebound.
The Sun played more desperate and they imposed their will, if that continues they won't be traveling back to Washington for Game 5. Connecticut had the best home record in the regular season and the Mystics had the best road record, we'll see who's able to capitalize on Sunday afternoon. Whether Delle Donne is available or not, Washington faces a tall task.
