LThe semifinals of the WNBA have started full of emotion and after their first two games, both series keep their swords high with two draws after the triumphs of the Connecticut Sun and of the Phoenix Mercury in the second matches of the qualifying rounds.
The Sun shook off defeat in the first match and with an impenetrable defense super a few Chicago Sky (79-68) that they could not find a way to undo the tangle woven by their rival, which left the Illinois team by 35% on field goals.
Alyssa thomas, who suffered a tear in the Achilles nine months ago that endangered her career, was the best in the attack of the Sun with 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Dewanna Bonner He also went to the 15 points on a team with up to five players above the double digits in scoring.
On the part of the Sky the best were the players of Perfumeras Avenida Kaleah Cooper, with 13 points, and Candace Parker with 12. The Spanish international S By Shakira Eau Florale He started again from the bench to score two points in eight minutes of play.
Taurasi, unleashed from the triple
In the other semifinal the Phoenix Mercury were a real gale for their rival (91-117) on a record night for Diana Taurasi, considered by many as the Women’s Basketball Michael Jordan. At 39 years old and after a season marked by injuries to her ankles, the player with Argentine origins, showed that she has rope for a while if she wants.
Taurasi went up to 37 points at the end of the match achieving the best scoring mark of his career after 17 seasons in the WNBA. The Californian base also he broke his personal record from triple with eight shots of three made after 11 attempts.
A recital that benefited the Mercury who set a new scoring record in the WNBA playoffs after closing the first half of the match with 68 points in favor and 76.5% of success in field shots, led by Taurasi and a colossal Brittney Griner, who finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Too much arsenal for the Aces who could not repeat the performance (and the result) of the first meeting. Kelsey Plum, who was awarded as the Best Sixth Player of the season, was the most outstanding in the Nevada team with 25 points, while Riquna Williams stayed at 17.