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Connecticut Sun struggled in Game 3, what’s next?

By Natalie Heavren

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Jonquel Jones #35 of the Connecticut Sun shoots the ball against the Washington Mystics during Game One of the 2019 WNBA Finals on September 29, 2019 at the St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Jonquel Jones #35 of the Connecticut Sun shoots the ball against the Washington Mystics during Game One of the 2019 WNBA Finals on September 29, 2019 at the St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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What do the Sun need to do to force a Game 5?

After the excitement of a dominant Game 2 victory in Washington, the Connecticut Sun fell flat in Game 3, falling 94-81 as the Washington Mystics picked up the 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five series.

The final score does not do the Mystics game execution justice, as the Sun fell behind by 17 and 18 points in the first and second halves respectively.

The Mystics three-point attack silenced the 9,170 fans in Mohegan Sun Arena, a very difficult task. Game 4 is the Sun’s last chance to salvage their Championship dreams.

Back to the boards

The Sun dominated on the glass in Game 2 and won, however, in their Game 3 loss they lost the rebounding battle 34-27.

Connecticut’s identity relies on dominating on the glass, as they collected the second-most rebounds per game as a team this season. Jonquel Jones had nine rebounds while Alyssa Thomas grabbed eight. No one else had more than four.

“I felt like it was just when the ball was up, I think it was they just didn’t care if they were
getting a rebound or not; they were making sure they were hitting me, keeping me off the offensive glass,” Jones said.

“I think that was the big difference for me this game. And I think it kind of held the team, too, so it hurt us that I wasn’t able to get on the boards.”

The rest of the team needs to step up, especially if Jones is being challenged, if they are going to win the rebounding battle and win Game 4.

Three-point defense is CRITICAL

The Mystics made a Finals record-tying 16 three-pointers on Sunday afternoon. Sixteen. 51 percent of their points came from beyond the arc.

In Game 1 the Mystics made 10 threes, but in Game 2 the Sun were able to hold them to just seven.

Controlling the Mystics abilities to make threes might be the difference-maker for the Sun.

The team was able to find a lot of success in forcing Washington to stay inside the arc early in Game 2.

Elena Delle Donne, Kristi Toliver, Natasha Cloud and Emma Meesseman all made at least three three-pointers Sunday, something that cannot happen Tuesday night if the Sun want to force a Game 3.

Jones did not have much of explanation about what happened but noted what her defense contributed to the Mystics hitting shots.

“I think they were just hitting tough shots. I know for me a couple of times I went out on [Kristi] Toilver on a switch, and I felt like I was there in her space and she just hit tough shots.”

After the game, Thomas said, “We didn’t start well and they were able to hit threes and get comfortable. Once they’re hitting threes and we try to adjust and then they’re driving on us, we have to establish our defense from the jump. We have to set the tone and if we don’t, then we’re in trouble.”

Making threes is also important

The Sun made just five threes against the Mystics on Sunday, after making nine and eight in games 1 and 2. It is hard enough to get up more shots up than Washington and it is harder to make more shots than the Mystics.

Making threes is one way the Sun can close in on the potent Mystics offense if they can also keep them from making threes of their own.

At the press conference Bria Holmes, who had 15 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists, was direct in what the Sun have to do in Game 4.

“They just hit tough shots,” she said. “Everything was falling for them tonight. We got to the rack whenever we wanted, but we just weren’t hitting our shots — the ones that were open or the ones that were contested. We just gotta make shots.”

The First Quarter is Key

“First quarters have been the story, regardless of all their made threes and everything,” said Curt Miller after the game. “First quarters have been a big part of the stories in this series so far.”

First quarters have been THE story in this series so far.

The Mystics led by double digits at the end of the first quarter in games 1 and 3 and won. The Sun led by double digits at the end of the first quarter in Game 2 and won.

If the Sun want the best shot at winning Game 4 and forcing a Game 5 they need to take a commanding lead into the second quarter and force the Mystics to play from behind.

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