Let the games begin.
The Connecticut Sun will open their 2019 WNBA playoff journey on Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena when they host the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 1 of semifinals. Having secured the No. 2 seed and a double-bye into the semifinals, Connecticut is raring to begin in earnest the pursuit of its first WNBA championship. Meanwhile, the third-seeded Sparks routed the Seattle Storm 92-69 on Sunday to win their second-round matchup.
The Sun relied heavily on their home-court advantage to earn the second-best overall record during the regular season. Those home comforts might prove pivotal against a Sparks team that lost four of its last five road games and was 7-10 on its travels in 2019.
Los Angeles Sparks (22-12) at Connecticut Sun (23-11)
Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. ET
Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Conn.
TV: ESPN2
Online: WatchESPN
Recent meetings
The Sparks beat the Sun 77-70 on May 31 at Staples Center in their first meeting of the season. Connecticut gained some revenge June 6 at Mohegan Sun Arena with an 89-77 win over Los Angeles. The Sparks claimed the season series against the Sun on Aug. 25 at Staples Center with an 84-72 win.
Players to watch
Sun forward/center Jonquel Jones averaged a team-high 14.6 points per game and a WNBA-best 9.7 rebounds per contest. The WNBA rewarded her consistency by naming her a Peak Performer and to the All-WNBA Defense first team.
Nneka Ogwumike averaged 18.7 and 11 rebounds in three games against her former team this season.
