Delle Donne’s WNBA playoff run ends early

 Chicago Sky forward Elena Delle Donne, right, looks to pass as Indiana Fever forward Karima Christmas guards during the first half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal series. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Sky forward Elena Delle Donne, right, looks to pass as Indiana Fever forward Karima Christmas guards during the first half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal series. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Elena Delle Donne’s impressive rookie season came to a close Sunday night as the Chicago Sky were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Chicago’s first trip to the WNBA playoffs ended after being eliminated in just two games against the Indiana Fever.  Delle Donne had ten points in the first half, but was held scoreless in the second half as the Fever were able to complete the series sweep with a 79-57 game 2 win.  The Fever were the only WNBA team to reach the playoffs with a losing record.  But Indiana took advantage of Chicago’s poor shooting to defeat the Sky for the fifth straight time.

As the playoffs got underway Delle Donne was named WNBA Rookie of the Year.  Despite being selected No. 2 after top pick Britney Griner, Delle Donne outshined the Baylor grad to earn all 39 first-place votes.  Delle Donne and Griner, along with Skylar Diggins, have been marketed by the WNBA as the “three to see” in their rookie seasons.  Griner’s Phoenix Mercury are tied in their first round series against the Los Angeles Sparks.  The deciding game is Monday night.  Diggins’ Tulsa Shock team did not make the eight-team playoffs.

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