NFL
By Jeffrey Newholm
After a mostly predictable playoff, top seeds Washington and Connecticut advanced to the 2019 WNBA Finals, tipping off Sunday. Both teams seek their first title in a matchup of Washington’s MVP, Elena Delle Donne, and a remarkably balanced Connecticut shooting attack. Unfortunately, two games compete with the NFL menace. However, we know the Chiefs and Patriots will decide football anyways, so a two-hour hiatus won’t hurt.
Washington Mystics
After Washington outlasted Las Vegas, the Delle Donne demons are ready for glory. EDD exhibited remarkable outside shooting in the semifinal clincher, complementing her near-angelic ability to glide downcourt.
Unfortunately, her 2018 injury led to a quick out in the finals. But the Blue Hen maintained her health this season, resulting in a postseason push arguably inevitable. Planets rarely line up perfectly, so allowing a title to slip away again would be devastating.
FINAL BUZZER TO LOCKER ROOM CELLY!
NOTHING BUT SMILES 😁😁😁#RUNITBACK #TOGETHERDC pic.twitter.com/XlOCjsdoJv
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) September 25, 2019
Connecticut Sun
Usually, “well rounded” is a backhanded compliment. In basketball, it usually means “just OK because there’s no superstar.” However, when the Sun hired Curt Miller in 2016, he challenged this slight. All five Sun starters started every game in 2019. An area of concern is the Sun’s lesser dominance. Connecticut earned a +3.5 net rating (advantage per 100 possesions), while Washington’s is +14.8. This stat considered, one must note the Sun dominated LA a semifinals sweep.
The best indicator of playoff success, however, is performance over the entire season. Connecticut’s perceived disrespect, they must say, fuels the long-suffering team and dismissiveness is foolish.
#disrespeCT https://t.co/bG66kXdL7d pic.twitter.com/agDVT9iOYo
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 25, 2019
Way Station
With collective bargaining uncertainty, the 2019 WNBA finals provide a final basketball dazzle before an unknown future. Will the Mystics affirm a three-year ascension, or will Connecticut disprove doubts? The pinnacle of women’s basketball world is October’s sports showcase (not sorry, baseball). With the WNBA gaining momentum every month, now’s the perfect time to join the bandwagon before winter basketball fans are left behind.
