Delle Donne scores 21 points to lead Mystics past Fever in WNBA opener

Elena Delle Donne had 21 points and nine rebounds in her first season-opening game since 2018 and the Washington Mystics beat the hosts Indiana Fever 84-70 on Friday night to begin the WNBA season.

Delle Donne played just three games the previous two seasons because of COVID-19 concerns and back issues. The former league MVP was 8 of 16 from the floor in 30 minutes.

"I came out with a little bit of butterflies, but good ones," Delle Donne said. "I mean, shoot, I'm playing basketball again and this is fun."

Natasha Cloud added 17 points and six assists for Washington. Ariel Atkins scored 15 points, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough had 10. Alysha Clark did not play.

21 PTS, 9 REB for <a href="https://twitter.com/De11eDonne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@De11eDonne</a> in her first home opener since 2018