WNBA Playoff Semifinals: Series Even Ahead of Game 3 Matchups

Game 2 Recap: Connecticut Sun 79, Chicago Sky 68 (Series Tied 1-1)

With five players in double figures, Connecticut recovered from Game 1’s loss with a 79-68 win over Chicago. Early on, the Sun fell behind by 11 points but overcame the deficit and outscored the Sky 20-13 in the second quarter. The Sun led 45-39 at the half but then the Sky outpaced Connecticut 20-13 in the third period. But with a rejuvenated Alyssa Thomas back in the lineup after recovering from a torn Achilles, the Sun outperformed the visitors 21-9 in the last frame for the win. Thomas came off the bench to lead the Sun with a double-double.

Connecticut

• Alyssa Thomas 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists
• DeWanna Bonner 15 points, 8 rebounds
• Briann January 12 points
• Jasmine Thomas 12 points
• Brionna Jones 11 points

Chicago

• Kahleah Copper 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
• Candace Parker 12 points, 7 rebounds
• Courtney Vandersloot 10 points, 6 assists
• Azurá Stevens 10 points, 4 rebounds

Team Stats

• Points in the Paint: Sky 26 (13/27), Sun 40 (20/42)
• 2nd Chance Points: Sky 9 (3/6), Sun 19 (8/14)
• Fast Break Points: Sky 6 (3/4), Sun 4 (2/4)
• Biggest Lead: Sky 11, Sun 14
• Lead Changes: 7
• Times Tied: 5

Game 2 Recap: Phoenix Mercury 117, Las Vegas Aces 91 (Series Tied 1-1)

Diana Taurasi led Phoenix with a career-high playoff 37 points as the Mercury evened up its series with Las Vegas. It was off to the races for her team as they earned a 17-point first quarter lead. The Mercury’s prolific 117 points also came with 25 points from Brittney Griner, 16 scored in the first period. Las Vegas never led even with Kelsey Plum’s, the league’s Sixth Player of the Year’s, output of 25 points.

Phoenix

• Diana Taurasi 37 points, 6 rebounds
• Brittney Griner 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
• Skylar Diggins-Smith 17 points, 5 points
• Shey Peddy 11 points, 4 assists
• Kia Nurse 11 points

Las Vegas

• Kelsey Plum 25 points
• Riquna Willians 17 points
• Liz Cambage 13 points, 4 rebounds
• A’ja Wilson 12 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists
• Jackie Young 10 points

Team Stats

• Points in the Paint: Mercury 32 (16/23), Aces 46 (23/35)
• 2nd Chance Points: Mercury 12 (4/5), Aces 2 (1/3)
• Fast Break Points: Mercury 7 (3/4), Aces 12 (6/6)
• Biggest Lead: Mercury 26, Aces 0
• Lead Changes: 0
• Times Tied: 0