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Tuesday night’s semifinals Game 2 matchups saw the Dream pick up a pivotal victory at home against the Mystics and the Storm hold on to beat the Mercury in overtime. Here’s what happened.
Atlanta Dream (78) vs. Washington Mystics (75)
Series is tied 1-1.
The Dream established an early lead and were able to hang onto it for the majority of the game, beating the Mystics Tuesday night in yet another close matchup that tied up the semifinals series, 1-1.
Once again, Alex Bentley led the show from the bench for Atlanta, scoring a team-high 22 points. Tiffany Hayes had 17 points, while Elizabeth Williams (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Jessica Breland (10 points, 14 rebounds) each had a double-double.
Elena Delle Donne led all scorers with 27 points for Washington while also tying Breland’s game-high 14 rebounds, though she went down with a knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not play the final three minutes of the game. Kristi Toliver scored 16 points for the Mystics and LaToya Sanders had 11.
The series now moves to Washington, DC for two games, with Game 3 taking place Friday.
Seattle Storm (91) vs. Phoenix Mercury (87) — in OT
Storm have a 2-0 lead in the series.
Despite giving up a 19-point lead that forced overtime, the Storm survived a Diana Taurasi-led Mercury comeback to take the 2-0 semifinals series lead.
Breanna Stewart led the charge for the Storm, scoring 27 points to go with 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Sue Bird added 19 points, including a crucial layup and free throws at the end of the game, while Jewell Loyd had 13 points. Seattle’s bench was very active Tuesday night, with Jordin Canada scoring 12 points and Crystal Langhorne grabbing 10 rebounds to go with her 6 points.
Taurasi led all scorers with 28 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter. Brittney Griner added 23 to go with 10 rebounds (though she fouled out of the game a minute into overtime) and DeWanna Bonner scored 21 points with her 9 rebounds. No other Mercury player had more than 4 points.
These teams will meet on Friday in Phoenix for Game 3, where the Storm will have the opportunity to pick up the series sweep.