Elena Delle Donne, two-time WNBA’s Most Valuable Player, is finally playing basketball again. After a back injury kept her on the sidelines for almost two years, Delle Donne returned to action on Sunday in Washington Mystics’ 78-85 loss against Seattle Storm.
Delle Donne started the game from the tip-off and spent 22 minutes on the court. She finished the contest with 16 points and three boards.
Back in the 2019 season, Delle Donne delivered one of the most impressive performances in WNBA history. She averaged 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting .515 from the field, .430 beyond the three-point arc, and .974 from the free-throw line. This made her the first WNBA player to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club and secured her the second MVP award in her career.
Done carried over this great form to the postseason despite struggling with injuries and helped the Mystics win the franchise’s first WNBA title. This was her first championship as well.
After the season wrapped up, Delle Done underwent two surgeries to deal with the herniated discs in her back. She was expected to return for the 2020 season, but the coronavirus pandemic stalled her rehab and prolonged her absence.
Elena Delle Donne’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Mystics, who are currently on a four-game losing streak. They also own an 8-14 record, which is third-worst in the league in 2021.
