WNBA semifinals kick off with a double overtime match

September 29, 2021
The GIST: Nothing like a healthy dose of heart-stopping double overtime to start off the WNBA’s best-of-five semifinals.
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WNBA semifinals kick off with a double overtime match
SOURCE: M. ANTHONY NESMITH/ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Connecticut Sun vs. Chicago Sky: Okay, we were not expecting that. The No. 6 seed Sky stunned the No. 1 Sun last night in a nail-biting double overtime game, winning 101–95 to give the Sun their first loss — outside of the Commissioner’s Cup final — since July 3rd.

  • The Sky’s Candace Parker put up 22 points while Courtney Vandersloot recorded just the second triple-double in WNBA playoff history. Impressive. Don’t miss Game 2 tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.
  • If it’s any consolation for the Sun, Jonquel Jones was named WNBA MVP yesterday, Brionna Jones (no relation) won Most Improved Player, and head coach Curt Miller took home the Coach of the Year award.

Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury: Mercury is officially in retrograde. Despite all five of their starters hitting double figures, the No. 5 Mercury lost to the No. 2 Aces 96–90 last night in the first of their best-of-five series.

  • The Aces’ Riquna Williams led with 26 points, Chelsea Gray notched a double-double, and Kelsey Plum lit it up with 20 points in the second half alone. Game 2 tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET is a can’t miss.

WTF: Unfortunately, things are only getting worse for the Mercury: they’re being kicked out of their home arena (again) for what could be a series-ending Game 3, all because Disney on Ice is rolling through Phoenix on Sunday. Wish we were kidding..