WNBA playoffs: All fired up

The GIST: Let’s hear it for the underdog. The No. 3 Connecticut Sun are heading to Vegas in pursuit of their first WNBA Championship after besting the No. 2 Chicago Sky 72–63 in last night’s winner-take-all Game 5. Down to the wire.

Game 5 recap: Connecticut promised mess and they certainly delivered, pulling out a scrappy victory, capped off by a 22-2 fourth quarter run. What’s more, Connecticut held Chicago scoreless for the final 4:46 of the game. Speechless.

• Proving that winning truly is a team effort, all five Sun starters hit double digit points, with DeWanna Bonner and Jonquel Jones leading the effort with 15 apiece.

• As for Chicago, Kahleah Copper (22 points) tried to will the defending champs back to the big dance, but the Connecticut D stifled other top scorers, holding Candace Parker and Allie Quigley to just 10 points combined.

What’s next: Game 1 of the finals, baby. The best-of-five series against the No. 1 Las Vegas Aces begins this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, and we’re guaranteed a first-time winner. Hungry for more? Cue up yesterday’s episode of The GIST of Itand keep an eye on your inbox for a full rundown in Sunday’s Scroll. Can’t wait.