The Mystics have come a great distance from their 0-12 begin, successful 4 of their final 5 video games regardless of coping with a lot of accidents. So what has this scorching streak revealed in regards to the staff?
Emily Engstler can play!
Of their two video games in opposition to Dallas final week, Emily Engstler exploded for 23 and 13 factors off the bench. I’ve been a fan of Engstler since her time at Syracuse.
Her versatility on each ends of the courtroom has been a revelation for the Mystics, in addition to her exterior capturing; she’s 6-of-8 from three in her final two video games. Engstler has proven that she could be a dependable scorer and a tenacious defender. Her vitality and hustle have been infectious, however it’s her versatility and quickness on that finish that has made her such a vivid spot for the Mystics throughout this stretch.
Ariel Atkins’ scorching streak
Ariel Atkins has stepped up as a frontrunner within the absence of some key gamers. After struggling to begin the season, her scoring was very instrumental within the Mystics’ latest video games in opposition to the Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.
Of their victory over Chicago, Atkins scored 29 factors and added three assists. From June 11 to 19, Atkins averaged 24.7 factors and three.3 assists whereas capturing 63 % from the sector, 44 % from 3 and 85 % from the free throw line. If Atkins can discover this groove constantly throughout this subsequent stretch, it will likely be large for a Washington staff that’s dealing with a gauntlet of opponents.
Stifling staff protection
The Mystics’ staff protection has been instrumental of their latest success. They’ve posted a 99.6 defensive score throughout this five-game stretch, which is sort of 4 factors higher than their common season common. Their capacity to modify on protection and talk successfully has disrupted opposing offenses. It helps that they’ve performed in opposition to some offensively inept rosters, permitting them to overhelp off poor shooters.
Of their two wins in opposition to the Dallas Wings, the Mystics held Arike Ogunbowale to 6 factors on 3-of-11 capturing and 23 factors on 9-of-21 capturing. Ogunbowale has been tasked with creating essentially the most offense within the league so plenty of her photographs are extraordinarily troublesome, however Washington deserves plenty of credit score for protecting her out of rhythm The identical goes for Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, who they held to 16 factors on 5-of-8 capturing. Washington has been notably efficient in making use of strain and forcing turnovers.
Overcoming adversity
The Mystics’ capacity to beat adversity has been a testomony to their character and dedication. Regardless of coping with quite a few accidents, the staff has discovered methods to win. Aaliyah Edwards missed a number of video games on this stretch and just lately, Washington misplaced Karlie Samuelson with a hand fracture.
With 4 wins of their final 5 video games, the Mystics have constructed momentum and confidence. As they proceed to get more healthy and combine returning gamers, the staff will likely be examined on Thursday in opposition to the Connecticut Solar (7 p.m. ET, League Move) and Saturday in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces (2 p.m. ET, League Move), two groups poised to compete for a title. The latest performances have proven that the Mystics have extra expertise than simply their rookie duo of Edwards and Julie Vanloo who might be part of their long-term future.
