The Washington Mystics (10-23) are at a crossroads.
With seven video games left within the common season, they’re now one recreation out of the ultimate playoff spot, trailing simply behind the Chicago Sky (11-22) and Atlanta Dream (11-22), each of whom are vying for postseason rivalry. The explanation that is such a crossroads for Washington is as a result of the staff is in place to safe a high choose within the 2024 WNBA Draft if they continue to be within the backside 4. As a result of Washington additionally owns Atlanta’s choose, which could possibly be a lottery choose in the event that they miss the playoffs, there’s added incentive for the Mystics to stay within the lottery.
Now clearly dropping isn’t anybody’s most popular choice, however when a staff has struggled as a lot as Washington has this season, it actually isn’t loopy to recommend that having two lottery picks in subsequent yr’s draft could be extra helpful to their long-term success. With that being mentioned, the Mystics have gained 4 of their final 5 video games, so what’s been the important thing to their late-season push?
Well being and alternative
The Mystics haven’t been wholesome most of this season, and, to an extent, they nonetheless aren’t. However, having most of their beginning lineup collectively for this stretch has supplied them with some a lot wanted consistency on each ends.
Due to accidents and trades, we have now gotten to see extra of Aaliyah Edwards and Emily Engstler, two gamers who deserve a ton of minutes given their youth and nice performances. Throughout video games in opposition to the Dallas Wings and Sky, we noticed flashes of Edwards’ defensive potential, switching onto Satou Sabally on ball screens a number of occasions whereas additionally doing a strong job of guarding Angel Reese within the publish.
As for Engstler, watching her evolve from being principally a spot up shooter earlier within the season to initiating delay motion with the ball in her palms and screening and popping for 3s in pick-and-roll actions speaks to her comfortability in her function and minute safety. She’s blossomed right into a key rotation piece for the Mystics and is unquestionably somebody who must be part of the staff’s long-term future.
Defensive enchancment
During the last 5 video games, the Mystics have posted a 100 defensive ranking. It begins with their point-of-attack protection. Ariel Atkins and Brittney Sykes have been strong on the defensive finish, however most significantly, the bigs for Washington have been extraordinarily cellular guarding ball screens.
Granted, 4 of the 5 video games have come in opposition to struggling offensive items in Connecticut, Seattle and Chicago. However all three of these groups are inside-scoring groups with out a lot taking pictures prowess, which places an emphasis on inside protection. Throughout this 5 recreation stretch, groups are taking pictures 63 p.c on the rim in opposition to Washington, which isn’t a spectacular quantity, however when you think about that groups have been taking pictures 68 p.c on the rim in opposition to the Mystics on the season, it makes this five-game stretch look noticeably higher. Groups have been additionally making an attempt considerably extra photographs on the rim throughout this stretch, which speaks volumes to Washington’s current enchancment.
The Mystics will look to proceed their scorching stretch in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury tonight at 10 pm ET.
