Two decisive Game 5 semifinal matchups, featuring some of the WNBAs all-time greats is in effect for Tuesday night.
Sue Birds broken nose and Diana Taurasis late-game heroics have been the talk of the WNBA playoffs as the highly-anticipated meeting between two former UConn Huskies and WNBA GOAT candidates holds the attention of the social media moshpit. Birds Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury are headed to a Game 5 after Taurasi led a 17-point Game 4 comeback to tie the series at 2-2.
Don’t sleep on the other noteworthy Game 5 on Tuesday, featuring another iconic player and former MVP in Washington Mystics baller Elena Delle Donne, who displayed her grit and greatness in leading her Washington Mystics squad to a Game 4 win over the Atlanta Dream.
Delle Donne showed some rust and missed shots early, but in true prime time player fashion, she found her stroke during the third quarter and started draining jumpers that helped Washington pull away for a 97-76 win. The 15 points and 10 rebounds were Delle Donnes fourth double-double in as many games this postseason.
EDD Posts Double-Double In Game 4 Win
Elena Delle Donne dropped 15 PTS & 10 REB in Washington’s 97-76 Game 4 win to force a winner-take-all Game 5 on Tuesday. Check out her BEST plays. #WNBAPlayoffs Get Your WNBA Tickets Here!: http://www.wnba.com/tickets/
There was a possibility Delle Donne wouldnt even play again this season, after an injury scare in Game 2 threatened to end her.
NBC Sports Wizards on Twitter
Update: Elena Delle Donne will not return after a left knee injury on this play #MysticsDream https://t.co/EbhxMWEdJQ
Fortunately for the Mystics, remarkable comes in many shapes and sizes and Taurasis sharpshooting took a backseat to Delle Donne’s GOAT performance, returning from injury in Game 5 to lead her team within one game of going to the WNBA Finals.
Matt Ellentuck on Twitter
Last week in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs, it looked like a knee injury would end Elena Delle Donne’s season. I talked to Elena, her agent, teammates and coach about how she came back in just 5 days to save her team from elimination. https://t.co/rzne4qqzTQ
Her last five days after the injury scare was a super grind for Delle Donne, but she did what was necessary to return to the court as soon as possible.
Mike Prada on Twitter
What were Elena Delle Donne’s last five days like after that knee injury scare? @mellentuck has all the exclusive details, including her rehab schedule. https://t.co/FQEYVgW6QJ
Respects to her.
The 6-foot-5, five-time All-Star and 2013 Rookie of the Year, reminded everyone that the WNBAs GOAT conversation isnt quite settled and even on a bum knee she can let it rain and change the course of a game. Her heart, which was once questioned by the great Geno Auriemmawhen she shocked the college hoops world and transferred from Connecticut back home to play for Delaware, is no longer an aspect of her character that can be attacked or doubted.
Brian Tinsman on Twitter
I would’ve killed Coach if he didn’t let me play full out. He knows. I gave him the look, and he knew.” @De11eDonne plays through a painful bone bruise in her knee to deliver the @WashMystics’ blowout win: https://t.co/CGvgyVAhKf
Delle Donne recorded a career-high 45 points, including a career-best 19-19 from the free throw line, and career-high six blocks against Atlanta on June 24. It was the classic example of how she can dominate several facets of the game.
Delle Donne Scores Career-High 45 Points in OT Win
Delle Donne has a career afternoon scoring a game and career high 45 points while also setting a WNBA record by making 19 consecutive free throws.
It wouldnt be surprising if she exploded with another Delle Donne the Destroyer performance in Game 5, to lead Washington to its first WNBA Finals appearance in history.
