WASHINGTON _ The Connecticut Sun demonstrated a lot of mental toughness as they fought their way back from a third-quarter double-digit deficit to pull within four of the Washington Mystics, but the Sun weren't able to make the necessary plays down the stretch to get any closer, ultimately falling 95-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
While the Mystics led from the get-go and built a 17-point lead with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter, the Sun went on a 22-10 run at the end of the third and into the fourth, with a basket from Morgan Tuck pulling Connecticut within four with 6:37 left in the game. But an open three from Ariel Atkins ended up being the dagger for Washington, putting the Mystics up by nine with 4:07 left and giving them the momentum for the rest of the way.
Courtney Williams went 6-for-9 from beyond the arc and scored a game-high 26 points, while Alyssa Thomas ended with 20 points, six assists, six rebounds and five steals.
The Mystics ended the evening shooting 54.0% from the field behind double-digit performances from Elena Delle Donne (22 points), Ariel Atkins (21), Kristi Toliver (18), Natasha Cloud (13) and Emma Meesseman (11).
While the Sun shot 61% and forced nine Mystics turnovers in the first half, they still trailed 55-44 going into the second half. The Mystics made all but 12 of their shots (21-for-33) in the first half.
Game 2 will take place Tuesday at 8 p.m. before the teams head to Uncasville for Game 3.
