How the Sun and Mystics got here, a macro look
For the first time since the conference-less WNBA Playoffs format was introduced for the 2016 season, the Finals will feature two East Coast teams, and for the first time since 2011, two title-less teams will battle for their first ring. Not only have the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun each yet to win a WNBA championship, neither head coach has a ring, and the only player left in the postseason with a title is Kristi Toliver.
More from Connecticut Sun
- Aces Wild: Las Vegas wins first WNBA Championship over Sun
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, October 1: Why the Sun set on Connecticut’s season
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 28: All-Rookie team announced
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 24: Playoff Stewie time
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 21: COVID scare for Seattle
The remaining three to five games center around two rosters who have been carefully assembled and honed over the last several years. While many analysts and fans could have envisioned the Mystics and Sun in this position when the season began, it’s never just about winning 26 games or sweeping through the Semifinals.
Every player, coach, and team has a history that propelled them to their current position, and 2019’s finalists have stories replete with ups, downs, trades, awards, almosts, success, and failures. Their storied histories cross paths at multiple points and as with any major story, include moments that altered each of their courses significantly.
So, let’s take a look back at just how they got here, starting at the beginning.