Anne Donovan was a Hall of Famer. But at Sunday's ODU memorial, family and friends fondly recalled a gentle giant known to be genuine and witty.
New York had won 10 straight. Connecticut had kept proving critics wrong. But the WNBA's third and fourth seeds are out of the playoffs are getting upset at home Sunday. Now Washington and Phoenix advance to the semis.
New York went 2-1 against Washington in the regular season. And though the Liberty are the favorite and ride a 10-game win streak into the second round, they should expect to face a much stronger Mystics offense with Elena Delle Donne on court.
In July, a defibrillator donated by Tina Charles' foundation helped save the life of a man in Texas. On Friday, the Liberty united the two with a surprise meeting. "I wouldn't be here, standing here talking right now" if it weren't for Charles, he said.
Nothing has come easy for Seattle this season, but if the Storm win at least one of their final two games, they're in the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
Dallas looks primed to reach the postseason, as the WNBA Basketball Power Index gives the Wings a 96 percent chance to earn a playoff berth. And the Liberty continue to make a push for the third overall seed.
