Elena Delle Donne suited up Sunday Afternoon for the Washington Mystics for the first time in 682 days. The two-time WNBA MVP cashed in 16 points in her first game since the 2019 season.
The Mystics needed their superstar’s services with Natasha Cloud in and out of the lineup. Not to mention the team lost Kristi Toliver in free agency.
Delle Donne Returns
Despite the Mystics losing to the Seattle Storm 78-85, Delle Donne looked loose, in shape, and unbothered by her back (despite two surgeries).
Delle Donne finished the game with 16 points, and 3 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the three-point line. The fact that the University of Delaware product was able to play 22 minutes after multiple back surgeries speaks volumes.
“I had that first day of school butterfly feeling. I was super nervous.”
— ESPN (@espn) August 22, 2021
EDD is thrilled to be back playing again 🏀 pic.twitter.com/jFe1g2zBwh
Washington received a shot in the arm with the return of their leader who helps the team flow. Delle Donne displayed some of her patented moves by facing up her defender and or backing them down and shooting over the right shoulder.
Although this is only one game the return of EDD can help the Mystics contend for a playoff spot. She will also feed off of Tina Charles‘ game along with Cloud and Ariel Atkins.
Delle Donne = Team Balance
The current Washington roster has plenty of depth with Myisha Hines-Allen, Erica McCall, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and Leilani Mitchell.
Currently, the Mystics sit in 10th place with an 8-14 record with more than enough games to make a push for the eighth seed.
ELENA DELLE DONNE IS BACK 👏 @espnw pic.twitter.com/S5xsOy9gAk
— ESPN (@espn) August 22, 2021
Will Washington be able to make enough ground to make the postseason? Even if the Mystics miss the postseason, the return of their MVP means a lot for this franchise.
Washington will face the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday at 7 PM and the game will be featured on ESPN.
As the 2021 season continues to unfold, follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 for more WNBA content.
