2019 WNBA Finals Preview (Game 2): Connecticut looks to even the series against Washington

The Connecticut Sun dropped Game 1 against the Washington Mystics 95-86. The Sun would do well to win Game 2, as no team has forced a fifth game after being down 0-2 since the five-game WNBA Finals was instituted in 2005.

In Game 1, the Sun shot the ball well and were about even with the Mystics in the statistics, except for fouls. The Sun committed 21 fouls to just 14 for the Mystics, which allowed for seven more shots from the charity stripe and six points on the board for the Mystics. Defending without fouling will have to be an emphasis for the Sun.

Offensively, the Sun largely did what they would like to do, despite Jonquel Jones scoring only 12 points. The Sun’s depth may come into question given the amount of minutes the starters played.

The Mystics were 54 percent from the field and made 10 three-point shots and their outstanding execution on offense has helped them stay in front all year. Washington has won four of five playoff games, despite letting its opponent shoot over 45 percent in every game. Their sole loss came on the road against the Las Vegas Aces when Washington’s offensive output that was stunted, as they scored 75 points on 38.6 percent shooting.

If Connecticut is unable to return home with the series tied, there is still hope: They beat Washington twice at home and posted a 15-2 regular-season home record, which was tied with the Los Angeles Sparks for the best home record in the league.

Game information

No. 1 Washington Mystics (1-0) vs. No. 2 Connecticut Sun (0-1)

When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, DC

How to watch: ESPN

Keys to the matchup: The Sun have a chance to turn this series around by taking Game 2 tonight, going home for two games tied 1-1. They’ll need to defend smartly to avoid sending the Mystics to the line. The Mystics have won in these playoffs by out-executing their opponent on the offensive end, but a little more effort on defense would likely make their job a little easier.

Game-day swag

BANDWAGON’S FULL

BreakingT

PLAYOFF EMMA

BreakingT

Swish Appeal has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Swish Appeal and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our guiding principles.