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Takeaways: Elena Delle Donne buzzer-beater lifts Washington Mystics over New York Liberty

By Lindsay Gibbs

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 28: Elena Delle Donne #11 of the Washington Mystics celebrates after shooting the game winning 3-pointer against the New York Liberty winning the game 80-77 on June 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 28: Elena Delle Donne #11 of the Washington Mystics celebrates after shooting the game winning 3-pointer against the New York Liberty winning the game 80-77 on June 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 28: Epiphanny Prince (10) of the New York Liberty drives to the basket against the Washington Mystics on June 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 28: Epiphanny Prince (10) of the New York Liberty drives to the basket against the Washington Mystics on June 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Delle Donne and Epiphanny Prince led their respective teams in scoring. Delle Donne (22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks) carried the load for the Mystics, though both Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (12 points, 3 assists) and Kristi Toliver (10 points, 3 rebounds) also scored in double digits.

For the Liberty, Prince (21 points, 3 rebounds), Tina Charles (18 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds), and Kia Vaughn (16 points, 6 rebounds), all had standout nights.

The fundamentals saved the Mystics. The Mystics only shot 38.2 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from beyond the arc, an abysmal showing by all measures. However, they got more offensive boards and trips to the free-throw line than the Liberty, and committed fewer turnovers. Thibault said that those three things — plus the Delle Donne magic, of course — helped his team survive an off night.

A celebration to remember. Delle Donne said two things about this game-winner make it stand out from the others in her illustrious career: how quickly she had to release the ball, and the celebration with her teammates. This team really does seem to have fun. Natasha Cloud smothered Delle Donne, hopped on her back, Walker-Kimbrough picked her up, things got so out of control Delle Donne had to take her hair down so she could fix her ponytail. Seriously, just watch it again.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough got her first start of the season. Rookie Ariel Atkins was placed into concussion protocol on Thursday, and was out for the game. (She was there on the sidelines cheering, which doesn’t seem like it can be good for a concussion, but I am not a doctor and am certainly not her doctor.)

ANYWAY, Thibault promoted Walker-Kimbrough to the starting lineup, which was a bit of a surprise since she’s gone full games this season without seeing any minutes. However, he said he did so because Walker-Kimbrough has been so impressive in practice lately, and because it allowed him to keep his regular bench rotation in place. The sophomore did a great job stepping up to the occasion. She scored 12 points — 7 in the first quarter alone — and her two three-pointers really helped to spread the floor.

Walker-Kimbrough still struggles with focus at times, but she’s overall much more engaged and aggressive this season, and it’s fun to see her shine every time she gets the chance. Honestly, it’s also fun to watch her cheer on her team from the bench — she’s one of the most entertaining players no matter what she’s doing. Her teammates were thrilled to see her shine.

“She had a monster game, really gave us a spark right away that we needed,” Delle Donne said. “Tori’s just always just a spark of energy for us, whether it’s on the court or off the court, she’s so important to us, just the energy and the excitement she brings. It was awesome to see her go off like that.”

Take care of yourselves, friends. It’s been an especially brutal week for many of us, I know. Sometimes sports work as an escape, sometime they don’t. I’ll admit I had a hard time focusing on this game for large portions of time. So, I just want to say: If you’re overwhelmed, I feel you. Let’s be kind to ourselves, kind to each other, and keep moving forward. And, if the WNBA wants to give us a few more buzzer-beaters to brighten our days, that would be great. This helped.

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