Elena Delle Donne Drops 22 as Mystics Beat Sun in Game 1 of WNBA Finals

The Washington Mystics opened the 2019 WNBA Finals with a 95-86 victory over the Connecticut Sun at home Sunday.

Elena Delle Donne led the way for Washington, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Ariel Atkins chipped in with 21 points, while Natasha Cloud (13 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals) did a little bit of everything.

On defense, Washington did a great job of limiting Jonquel Jones' touches inside. The All-Star center went 5-of-8 from the floor for 12 points.

This year's Finals matches up the No. 1 and 3 teams in net rating, which doesn't accurately portray the gap between the Mystics and Sun. Washington was plus-14.8 per 100 possessions, with Connecticut at plus-3.8, according to WNBA.com.

The Sun have used their critics as their source of motivation throughout the postseason, pointing toward the general skepticism about their status as a title contender. Connecticut clearly went out with a statement to make in the semifinals, when it swept the star-laden Los Angeles Sparks.

In the Finals, the Mystics simply look like the better team.

The Sun did well not to let the game get out of hand after Washington opened up a 30-17 lead to close out the first quarter. 

Washington built a 73-57 advantage in the third quarter, only to see Connecticut close it to a 80-76 game on a pair of free throws from Courtney Williams with 5:56 remaining in the final frame.

But a 9-0 Mystics run once again put the Sun down double digits and all but ended any hope of a comeback.

Every time Connecticut had Washington on the ropes, the No. 1 seed refocused and righted the ship.

Delle Donne won her second MVP this year and has clearly zeroed in on winning her first WNBA championship. Nobody did more to steady the Mystics than Delle Donne during the Sun's numerous runs Sunday.

Beyond having the best individual player in the series, the Mystics can count on a number of scorers who are ready to step up when opponents look to shut Delle Donne down.

Atkins can knock down long-range jumpers when Washington's ball movement frees her up on the perimeter, and she can score on her own when the team's spacing leaves the paint wide-open.

Sun head coach Curt Miller's usage of Jones in Game 2 will be one of the most interesting storylines to watch. Not only did she struggle to make an impact on the offensive end, the Sun had a 135.5 defensive rating in her 32 minutes on the floor, per WNBA.com.

Williams and Alyssa Thomas combined for 46 points, yet it still wasn't enough. The Sun need more from Jones in order to topple the Mystics.

What's Next?

Washington hosts Connecticut for Game 2 on Tuesday, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.