The Washington Mystics have gotten off to a really sluggish begin, dropping their first six video games of the 2024 WNBA season. They’re the one winless group within the Affiliation.
Saturday’s blowout loss to the Seattle Storm was one to neglect, however here’s a recap of their extra promising performances and a few of the greatest takeaways from these video games.
Could 17: Mystics 77, Solar 84
The Mystics’ matchup with the Connecticut Solar, their second recreation of the season, was very shut all through; in reality, Washington held the lead coming into the fourth quarter.
Each groups began off sluggish offensively, however the Mystics had been in a position to get some key taking pictures from Karlie Samuelson, who has been taking pictures the ball very properly to begin the season. Her fast launch means she’s at all times a menace to shoot the lengthy ball, irrespective of the standard of move.
The protection was good for probably the most half, till the offensive course of slowed down for Washington, which negatively impression the protection and the whole lot then spiraled. That has been the story of the Mystics season to this point; they’ve remained aggressive in most video games this season, which is a testomony to good teaching and regular enchancment, however haven’t been in a position to dangle on for wins.
Gonna have plenty of enjoyable with the Mystics protection this 12 months, methinks.
-Aaliyah Edwards expertly navigating the cross display
-Well timed double from two passes away
-Ariel Atkins peeling off the double to select up the reduce
-The cutoff from Julie Vanloo vs Rachel Banham
-Block to finish it pic.twitter.com/Sq1iKbfpy1— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) Could 19, 2024
Sadly, catastrophe struck on this recreation when Brittney Sykes injured her ankle early within the first quarter and missed the remainder of the sport. Sykes was coming off a profession 12 months and her rim stress creates numerous alternatives for a group that’s anticipated to battle with self-creation with out Elena Delle Donne.
Could 21: Mystics 68, Sparks 70
The Mystics’ fourth recreation of the season, a showdown in opposition to the Sparks in Los Angeles, resulted in in all probability their most devastating lack of the younger season. As nice because the rookies performed, key turnovers on the finish of the sport with an opportunity to tie or take the lead finally doomed then.
On the intense facet, this was Aaliyah Edwards’ finest recreation of the season to this point. She displayed a really fast first step, which is exclusive for a frontcourt participant. After all, her protection was stellar too, nabbing three steals and two blocks.
Protection was the calling card for Edwards popping out of school, the place she performed a number of coverages and excelled. This offers Washington the idea that she will be able to amplify their current defensive scheme and type a harmful pairing subsequent to Shakira Austin
Julie Vanloo additionally had an excellent recreation. The 31-year-old rookie from Belgium is averaging slightly below 10 factors and 6 assists as the primary level guard on the group. One factor that basically stands out about Vanloo is her courtroom consciousness. She’s not afraid to place stress on the rim or shoot the lengthy ball. I’ve beloved watching her run decide and roll with Edwards, who units wonderful screens to release Vanloo from trailing defenders,
Despite the fact that Washington has struggled to seize any wins, observing regular enhancements from the rookies has been the spotlight of the season.
Could 23: Mystics 80, Mercury 83
After falling quick to the Sparks, the Mystics headed to Phoenix to tackle the Mercury. It was one other robust loss the place play down the stretch doomed Washington.
This recreation may’ve been the perfect of the season for Ariel Atkins, as she completed with 16 factors on 6-for-11 taking pictures. Atkins has struggled to begin the 12 months. The offense doesn’t run by way of her as a lot, however in opposition to a small ball, five-out assault in Phoenix, it definitely posed a significantly better matchup.
Vanloo additionally had 15 factors and 4 assists, but in addition 4 turnovers. That is the duality of a younger level guard nonetheless attempting to determine the league. Vanloo has good courtroom consciousness, however usually feels rushed and uncomfortable coping with aggressive pick-and-roll coverages.
This can be a widespread battle for rookies, so the most important issues to look out for (apart from wins) are the well being of Austin and Sykes, and the in-season enchancment from Vanloo and Edwards.
On Wednesday, the Mystics once more will attempt to earn their first win, internet hosting the Atlanta Dream at 7 p.m. ET (League Move).
