Dana Evans couldn’t keep up with the torrential downpour of notifications that kept her phone abuzz after the Aces opened the WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The burst of congratulatory messages and social media mentions was a result of the 5-foot-6-inch guard’s stunning performance in the 89-86 Game 1 win .

With 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the 3-point line, Evans tied the WNBA record for most 3s off the bench in a finals game while also becoming the first player in finals history to make five threes and record four steals in a game.

“It’s surreal,” the 27-year-old said at practice Saturday morning. “All the hours, the long nights and early mornings. It’s paying off.”

The moment of reflection wasn’t a sign of contentment, however,

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