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The seventh Game 5 in WNBA Finals history gets underway tonight as we return to the scene of Games 1 and 2, Washington, D.C., where the Washington Mystics will look to wield their home-court advantage over the Connecticut Sun.
To get here, the Sun rebounded from their Game 3 loss by taking Game 4 in a 90-86 nail-biter.
Both teams have proven beatable on their home courts, with the series seesawing back and forth. The teams have alternated victories which, by that indication, points in the Mystics’ favor. However, it is tough to count out the Sun, who took Game 4 despite shooting 42.9 percent from the floor — the lowest field-goal percentage for either team throughout the series. The Sun were able to offset their field-goal percentage by making 23-of-26 shots at the free-throw line. Accuracy at the charity stripe helped to close the game by holding the Mystics scoreless in the final two minutes.
It is hard to tell what Game 5 will turn out to be — close battle to the final buzzer or an easy win. One thing is for sure, whoever leads after the first quarter has to be the favorite to take the game and the title. The first quarter leader has won each game thus far, but it was Game 4 when we finally saw a team close the gap. Game 4 saw a tight contest in the fourth quarter and fans across the league are hoping to see more of that tonight as we head into a winner-take-all situation.
Game information
No. 1 Washington Mystics (2-2) vs. No. 2 Connecticut Sun (2-2)
When: Thursday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, DC
How to watch: ESPN2, TSN
Keys to the matchup: This game will come down to who can will themselves to victory. The first three games were decided early with Game 4 coming down to the wire. Rebounding and defense ultimately take the day when it comes down to who wins championships. In a Game 5 situation, look for an unlikely hero to rise above the stars.