Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins question marks for Game 3 of WNBA Finals

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Washington Mystics coach Mike Thibault says his team is prepared to play the pivotal Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Connecticut Sun without league MVP Elena Delle Donne and guard Ariel Atkins.

The two players combined for 43 points last week in leading the Mystics to a nine-point opening-game win, but both were listed as questionable with back spasms as the series resumes Sunday tied at a game apiece.

The 6-foot-5 Delle Donne, who averaged 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, is suffering from a herniated disc that is pinching a nerve in her back. She played only a few minutes, going scoreless, in a 99-87 loss in Game 2 on Tuesday.

Thibault said that Atkins, who had 21 points on 6-for-7 shooting in Game 1, bent down Thursday night and could not stand up again.

Both players traveled with the Mystics to Connecticut, but were receiving medical treatment on their backs while their teammates practiced Saturday.

“I’m not counting on them playing,” Thibault said. “I know (Sun coach Curt Miller) thinks I’m making this stuff up. I wish I was. Our team is preparing to play tomorrow without either player.”

Without Delle Donne’s inside presence, Connecticut dominated in the paint in Game 2, outrebounding Washington 41-27. Sun forward Jonquel Jones scored 32 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, including a Finals record nine on the offensive end.

Mystics forward Emma Meeseman, who scored 23 points Tuesday, said the team has made some defensive adjustments to deal with Jones if Delle Donne can’t play Sunday.

“It’s going to be a team defense,” she said. “She has to see that it’s one against five, not one against one.”