2019 WNBA Finals Preview (Game 4): The Mystics are just one win away from their first championship

The Washington Mystics are just one win away from their first-ever WNBA championship. Game 3 showed how deadly the Mystics can be from long range: They shot 16-of-27 from beyond the arc. The Connecticut Sun were unable to keep up, shooting just 5-of-20 from deep.

The Mystics were much better on the defensive boards, with Elena Delle Donne helping to keep the shot count pretty even: 69-67, with the slight edge in favor of the Sun. With the Mystics at full strength for Game 4, expect that to continue. In their two wins in the Finals, Washington’s shooting has been at 50 percent or above and another performance like is likely to get the Mystics to the mountaintop.

The Sun have simply been outmatched in two of the three games, with the difference being the availability of Delle Donne. Although Delle Donne’s scoring was not explosive in Game 3, her presence on the court guided the Mystics on both ends. Courtney Williams took a playoff-low nine shots in Game 3, making just two of them. Jonquel Jones was not nearly as impactful after a 32-point, 18-rebound performance in Game 2. The Sun will need both of Williams and Jones to get going to have shot at evening the series.

The Sun need to bring energy and focus if they are to avoid a season-ending loss on their home court.

Game information

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

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

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

How to watch: ESPN2

Keys to the matchup: The Sun need Courtney Williams and Jonquel Jones to get going. As a team, the Sun need to play more efficiently on offense, creating easier and better shot opportunities. The Mystics, meanwhile, have put it all together at the most important time of the year. Offensive execution has been their calling card and if they can continue to keep the Sun off the offensive glass, the Mystics will secure the championship tonight.