After a thrilling series, the 2019 WNBA Finals have come to a close, and the Washington Mystics are WNBA champions for the first time in franchise history. They defeated the Connecticut Sun, 89-78, in Game 5 to take the series, 3-2. Emma Meesseman, who was named Finals MVP, led the way with 22 points off the bench, while Elena Delle Donne went for 21 and both Kristi Toliver and Natasha Cloud added 18 of their own.
Finals (best-of-five series) -- Mystics win, 3-2
- Game 1: Mystics 95, Sun 86
- Game 2: Sun 99, Mystics 87
- Game 3: Mystics 94, Sun 81
- Game 4: Sun 90, Mystics 86
- Game 5: Mystics 98, Sun 79
Storylines
Sun: In each of the past two seasons they finished third in the league, but were upset in the single-elimination second round. This time around, they were determined to not let that happen and earned a top-two seed, which sent them straight to the semis. There, they made surprisingly easy work of the Sparks, cruising to a three-game sweep that included two wins by 20-plus points. Now they have a chance to win the first title in franchise history, but they'll have their work cut out for them against the Mystics.
Mystics: The Mystics got to the Finals for the first time in franchise history last season, but they never really had a chance due to Elena Delle Donne's knee injury. In an ironic twist, the Storm's title chances were wiped out due to injuries this season, and now it's the Mystics who are favored to take home their first title. They cruised through the regular season, setting a WNBA record with eight wins by 25-plus points thanks to MVP Delle Donne and a historic offense. But they had to battle in the semis against the Aces; will that test help or hurt them in the Finals?
Prediction
The Mystics have been the best team in the league all season, and there's no reason to doubt them now. Jonquel Jones and Co. are super talented, and will make this a great series, but the Mystics just have too much firepower.
Pick: Mystics in 5
