The Washington Mystics nonetheless are the one winless staff left within the W. Their 0-12 begin is the worst in franchise historical past
Their final three video games have been extraordinarily aggressive, which is the story of most of their loses this 12 months. Here’s a recap of final week’s video games and a number of the largest takeaways:
Thursday, June 6: Mystics 71, Sky 79
This recreation was the highly-anticipated duel between Aaliyah Edwards and Angel Reese, who have been taken one spot aside on this 12 months’s draft.
Washington went into halftime with an eight-point lead and Aaliyah Edwards was phenomenal. She completed the sport with 23 factors, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks in what was arguably the perfect exhibiting of any rookie this season. Edwards has been an enormous vibrant spot for Washington, and with Shakira Austin nonetheless injured, she has taken benefit of the beginning spot in a giant manner
It was the third quarter for Washington that doomed them. They may usually undergo stretches the place they battle to attain and Thursday’s recreation was no exception. The Sky outscored them 25-10 within the quarter and the most important perpetrator was the turnovers and second-chance factors.
Chicago is among the finest rebounding groups within the league and Reese and Kamilla Cardoso each had two offensive rebounds within the third. Mixed, the 2 Chicago rookies grabbed 9 offensive rebounds, which is difficult to beat given how a lot Washington struggled to attain on this recreation. 19 second-chance factors for Chicago sealed Washington’s destiny.
Friday, June 7: Mystics 83, Fever 85
In entrance of what was the most important crowd to observe a WNBA recreation in 25 years, Washington and Indiana gave followers a present final weekend, as Caitlin Clark and the Fever got here to city. Sadly for Mystics followers, this was the sport the place Clark discovered her rhythm and wreaked havoc on the Mystics’ backcourt.
Her perpetual movement discombobulated the Mystics’ protection, notably when she was postpone ball and coming off away screens that pressured Washington’s guards to chase her round. Clark made seven 3s on this recreation, and regardless of the Mystics’ finest effort at mounting a comeback, it fell simply quick.
Stefanie Dolson had her finest recreation of the season for Washington, ending with 19 factors on 5-of-6 taking pictures from 3. What made her troublesome to include for Indiana was her pick-and-pop capability, which is totally different from the remainder of Washington’s bigs. Having somebody like Julie Vanloo, who will get doubled in choose and roll greater than any guard within the WNBA (through Synergy), makes life simpler for everybody.
Although Washington hasn’t received, there are many issues to remove from their offensive and defensive course of which might be hopeful.
Sunday, June 9: Mystics 88, Liberty 93
Washington has now misplaced three video games this season to the Liberty, so on the brilliant aspect, they received’t should see them once more for one more three months. Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu have been such a troublesome cowl for DC as a result of they’re threatening in so many alternative methods.
Jones completed with 29 factors and made three 3s, which is a scary sight for any staff attempting to defend her. Jones routinely punished mismatches and used her measurement to realize inside place on Washington’s forwards. In the meantime, Ionescu completely shredded Washington’s protection on “Rip DHOs”, which is when a shooter units a again display after which receives a handoff, often on the prime of the important thing. The rationale that is so exhausting to include is as a result of Washington has to defend and assist out on cutters, whereas additionally staying connected to Ionescu coming off screens and draining threes.
For Washington, Myisha Hines-Allen and Jade Melbourne mixed for 41 factors off the bench. Hines-Allen has performed nicely to start out this 12 months, lastly trying just like the participant she was earlier than her knee damage in 2021.
So whereas the Mystics haven’t had the success they’d’ve appreciated, they actually aren’t a foul watch. They may look to get their first win of the season Tuesday night time in opposition to the Atlanta Dream (7:30 p.m. ET, LeaguePass).
