Mystics vs. Sun Game 2 final score: Delle Donne injured, Meesseman scores 23 in 99-87 loss

The Washington Mystics lost to the Connecticut Sun 99-87 in Game 2 of the 2019 WNBA Finals on Tuesday night at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights, D.C.

Connecticut won this game with their trio of Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Williams who scored 32, 21 and 22 points respectively. They hit big shots when it mattered and took advantage of the Mystics who appeared to look lost without Elena Delle Donne, when she suffered back spasms in the first quarter of the game. Delle Donne did not return and the Sun raced to a 29-17 lead after the first quarter.

When Delle Donne is out, the Mystics would naturally depend on Emma Meesseman. She scored 23 points tonight like her usual self. In fact, she scored nine of her points in the third quarter which helped Washington have a chance to win the game. But ultimately, it isn’t enough.

The Mystics, even without Delle Donne, should have been able to pull out the win tonight, at least in my opinion. Everyone and their mother knows Emma Meesseman is the best player on the team, especially if Delle Donne isn’t there. Meesseman still shot at a very high 58,8 percent from the floor. But I’m still frustrated seeing other players, like Kristi Toliver trying to play hero ball when she should pass to Meesseman instead. Toliver scored 13 points on 6-of-20 shooting.

The Mystics were able to make things interesting in the middle of the game, but the Sun had an answer every time. Ulitmately, they pulled away in the fourth quarter to win this one.

Meesseman also needs to understand that this is her moment to come through in the WNBA Playoffs. Yes, her performance in the semifinals was huge against the Las Vegas Aces. But I still feel like she is holding herself back from just dominating like she would if the Belgium women’s national team was playing France or Spain for a World Cup or Women’s EuroBasket medal match.

Tianna Hawkins added 16 points and Aerial Powers added 11 more for Washington.

If there is good news with Delle Donne’s injury, at least for now, it’s that Washington has four full days to rest and recover from tonight. Hopefully, the 2019 WNBA MVP will be ready to go, at least in a limited capacity by then.

The series now heads to Uncasville, Conn. on Sunday, Oct. 6 when the Sun will host the Mystics in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Tipoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET which you can see on ABC. Yes, this game is on broadcast TV! In the Washington area, you will watch it on WJLA-TV, or Channel 7.