:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61251293/EDD_and_Stewie.0.jpg)
Rookie star Ariel Atkins scored 23 points in the Mystics’ first franchise appearance in the WNBA Finals. Unfortunately, it was a loss for Washington in Game 1. In Game 2, the Storm look to improve 2-0, while the Mystics hope to tie the series.
No. 1 Seattle Storm (26-8) vs. No. 3 Washington Mystics (22-12)
When: Sunday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: KeyArena, Seattle | TICKETS
How to watch: ABC (national broadcast), streaming live on ESPN3 and available on ESPN app
Injuries: For the Mystics, Elena Delle Donne (left knee bone bruise), who sat out the fourth quarter of Game 1 on Friday night, is probable in Game 2; LaToya Sanders (hand) is also expected to play. Sue Bird (broken nose) is expected to play for the Storm.
Storm showed Mystics how teamwork makes the dream work in Game 1
In Game 2 on Sunday, it will need to be a team offensive and defensive effort for the Mystics to even the series against the Storm. Game 1 of the WNBA finals had Mystics star Elena Delle Donne shooting 4-of-11 from the field, and Kristi Toliver shot 2-of-11 from the field, in the 89-76 defeat.
Delle Donne finished the game with 10 points and didn’t play in the fourth quarter, while Toliver finished the night with 5 points. This will not be a long series if the Mystics don’t control the pace of the game and score more points. Mystics rookie Ariel Atkins had a solid game against the Storm, but will need an all-around team effort to get the win in Seattle on Sunday.
Storm’s Jewell Loyd had a great Game 1 in the finals after struggling a bit offensively in the semifinals. Loyd dropped 23 points on the night, Natasha Howard scored 19 points and Breanna Stewart added 22 points. The Storm led at the half by 16 points and shot 54.7% from the field in the win.
The Storm look to lead the series 2-0 before heading to EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. for Game 3, on Wednesday, Sept. 12.