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Mystics vs. Sun Game 3 preview: Washington get ahead of Connecticut with a win on Sunday

The Mystics are looking to go 2-1 in the WNBA Finals in front of a sold-out crowd.

By Greydy Diaz
2019 WNBA Finals - Game Two Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Washington Mystics play the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, Oct. 6 in Game 3 of the 2019 WNBA Finals. Here’s what you need to know.

Game Info

When: Saturday October 6 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT

How to watch: ABC. In the Washington area, the ABC affiliate is WJLA-TV.

Injury Report

Mystics: Kiara Leslie (Knee, Out), Elena Delle Donne (Back, Questionable), Ariel Atkins (Back, Questionable)

Sun: None

Pregame notes

The Mystics need to be confident, with or without Delle Donne

Earlier this season when Delle Donne broke her nose while playing the Los Angeles Sparks her team’s demeanor changed. They instantly became a different team and their confidence crumbled.

The same thing happened when Delle Donne exited the arena in the first quarter with back spasms during Game 2 of the Finals on Tuesday. They collapsed right in front of us. Yes, they showed glimpses of promise but given their history, everyone knew Delle Donne on the court was the worst thing that could happen to the Mystics.

Washington arguably has one of the deepest benches in the entire league and they seem to forget that when their superstar injured. Hopefully they can remember how talented they are before it’s too late.

Defense is key

Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and Courtney Williams combined for 75 points in Game 2. The Mystics proved to have to no answer for the trio in the backcourt and if they don’t figure it out in Game 3 then, especially if Delle Donne doesn’t play, the Mystics can start to say goodbye to their chance of ‘running it back’.

In Game two the Mystics were out-rebounded in on the defensive end but were also out-rebounded overall 41-27. The Mystics need to be far more aggressive boxing out and have a greater sense of urgency going for rebounds.

Mohegan Sun Arena is sold out

As of Thursday, Game 3 was sold out. The Mystics are going to have work through a lot of noise and fandom on Sunday. They need to be ready to go from tipoff because Connecticut will be feeling very confident after beating the Mystics in D.C.