Despite having a small disc herniation, Washington Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne played in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals 2019. Though she was limited, Delle Donne still managed to score 13 points and grab six rebounds in 26 minutes.

With the Mystics stepping up around her, Elena Delle Donne gritted out 13 points in 26 minutes as Washington took a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals. Emma Meesseman had 21 points, Kristi Toliver added 20 and Natasha Cloud 19.https://t.co/hYHtRL22n9

— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) October 6, 2019

With such a short recovery time following Game 3, Delle Donne’s status was unclear. On Monday Oct. 7, Mystics’ Head Coach Mike Thibault provided an update at practice.

Delle Donne also provided an update on both her physical and mental health ahead of Game 4.

🗣️ @De11eDonne provides a status update and shares her team's mindset heading into Game 4 tonight!@WashMystics vs. Sun, 8PM/ET on ESPN 2 📺 #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ICLSYzXD5r

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 8, 2019

“It really doesn’t matter where we win it, I just want to win it.” 💯@WashMystics’ Head Coach Mike Thibault ahead of Game 4 of the #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/N1byKwbhGV

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 7, 2019

The @WNBA MVP @De11eDonne said she'll play in Game 4 of the #WNBAFinals Della Donne also credited @WashMystics head coach Mike Thibault with helping her grow as a player and team leader! pic.twitter.com/ZBzj1Wwh4Z

— John Pierson (@JPPierson) October 7, 2019

At practice, Delle Donne was not shy about sharing the amount of pain she was in. However, she is still determined to play in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

Elena Delle Donne says herniated disk feels like having ‘a pole up my back’ https://t.co/DcDgZ5E3Uh

— Post Sports (@PostSports) October 7, 2019

Monday, despite her back discomfort, @De11eDonne was in good spirits at @WNBA Finals media availability. She joked the back injury may have killed her golf game. But, seriously, she said she expects to be a go for Game 4 for @WashMystics. https://t.co/v32jOxtZyA

— Michael Voepel (@MAVoepel) October 7, 2019

The potential series-clinching Game 4 will air on ESPN 2 at 8:00 PM/ET.

Although she's been fighting a back injury, Elena Delle Donne has been very clear — she's not about to miss this next game. https://t.co/5QgJFvEKVU

— Delaware Online (@delawareonline) October 8, 2019

 

The Washington Mystics lead the WNBA Finals 2019 2-1. They face the Connecticut Sun in Game 4 tonight, 8:00PM/ET on ESPN2.