Scoreboard
Sky 101, Sun 94 (2OT)
Aces 96, Mercury 90
What went down
The semifinals started with a double overtime barnburner that saw the Chicago Sky take down the top-seeded Connecticut Sun. The two teams figured in a slugfest, resulting in just the fifth double OT game in league history.
Courtney Vandersloot had a groundbreaking performance of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a WNBA playoff record 18 assists to lead the Sky. Candace Parker had a team-high 22 points to go along with five boards, six dimes, and two steals.
The Sky were able to pull away in the second extra session thanks to timely assists from Vandersloot. The veteran point guard's give-and-go play paved the way for a Stefanie Dolson basket that put Chicago ahead by four with a minute and a half remaining, creating the necessary separation in the end.
The Sun had chances to win prior to the second overtime but wasn't able to capitalize on their opportunities. DeWanna Bonner missed on a potential game-winner in regulation. In the first overtime, the Sun were able to steal the ball in the closing seconds but did not get a shot off as time expired.
The loss by the Sun snapped their 14-game win streak heading into the playoffs and spoiled the night when Jonquel Jones was named MVP, Brionna Jones as Most Improved Player, and Curt Miller as Coach of the Year. The two Joneses and Bonner had double-doubles each led by Jonquel with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Brionna had 22 and 10 while Bonner added 13 and 10.
Over at Las Vegas, Riquna Williams dropped 17 of her game-high 26 points in the first half and Kelsey Plum provided 25 points off the bench to help the Aces draw first blood against the Phoenix Mercury.
All five Mercury starters finished in double-figures powered by Brittney Griner's 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Diana Taurasi managed to reach 20 points and four triples despite still nursing an ankle injury.
Game 2 for both series is set on Friday (PHT) starting with the Sky versus the Sun at 8:00 AM followed by the Aces and Mercury at 10:00 AM.
Big-time baller
Courtney Vandersloot was in her bag all game long against the Sun. Not only did she set a playoff assist record with 18, but she also managed to notch only the second triple-double in WNBA playoff history. The last player to achieve such a feat was Sheryl Swoopes back in 2005.
Sloot was also a pest on the defensive end, racking up four steals and two blocks in what was an all-time performance from the 10-year veteran.
What she said
Vandersloot didn't know she had a triple-double until her postgame interview so her reaction below is pretty awesome.
"My God, I had no idea I had a triple-double... Wow that's amazing!"
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 29, 2021
Watch @Sloot22 find out she recorded only the 2nd triple-double in #WNBAPlayoffs history 👏
...and Happy Birthday to @alliequigley's mom 🎂😂 pic.twitter.com/xScgm52Uwz
Moments later, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes congratulated Vandersloot.
Helluva game @Sloot22! Congrats on the triple double!!! https://t.co/7xO7t1WO1c
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) September 29, 2021
Did you see that?
The Sun had a year to remember with a 26-6 card, setting a franchise record in wins. Jonquel Jones was named MVP of the season and became the only player to win all three major individual awards, along with Most Improved Player (2017) and Sixth Woman of the Year (2018). Teammate Brionna Jones captured MIP after posting career numbers while head coach Curt Miller won Coach of the Year, his second since 2017.
Hanging this in our office for eternity. pic.twitter.com/AkENwPNib7
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 29, 2021
