Emma Meesseman poured in a career high 30 points in a win over host Atlanta Dream
The Washington Mystics had an interesting weekend, starting with a big matchup with the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. The Verizon Center was packed, teams were ready to go, but the court was deemed not safe as it appeared the roof was suffering from a leak. The game is set to be rescheduled, instead of a home game against an Eastern Conference foe that had playoff implications, Washington traveled to Atlanta and took on the Dream last night.
The last time these two teams met, the Mystics rallied from 21 points down to win in overtime. That gave them momentum heading into All-Star weekend, they are now 2-0 since then and one of those being on the road, where they've struggled.
Emma Meesseman led the way, a career high 30 points helped Washington outlast the Dream. Her monster double-double (10 rebounds), along with Kristi Toliver's hot shooting got the Mystics out to a big lead early. The duo sparked a 13-4 run to start the game and Washington didn't look back, late in the half a 14-4 run helped them create even more distance.
The Dream would rally in the third quarter, outscoring Washington 27-24. Prior to that quarter, they hadn't eclipsed 20 in a period.
Washington's been dealing with this all season, they don't have an issue building leads. Sustaining them is a different story entirely, the Dream like the Mystics in their last matchup, refused to go away quietly.
The Dream cut the deficit to six with 5:09 left in the game off a jumper from Sancho Lyttle. That would be all for Atlanta as Washington clamped down defensively, surrendering two points the rest of the way. The Mystics held the Dream to 1-of-10 shooting, doing what needed to be done to secure a much needed road win.
Washington didn't get the production they typically get from their second unit as they were outscored 14 to 12. Elena Delle Donne struggled to find her shot, but that didn't keep her from hitting the glass. Krystal Thomas, who is now the starting center in this new lineup, pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds.
The Dream didn't have Tiffany Hayes for the entire game as she played just 20 minutes, Atlanta was led by Elizabeth Williams (18 points) and Layshia Clarendon (11 points, 10 assists).
Washington gets a few days of rest and practice before traveling to San Antonio to face the Stars, they then come back home to host the Phoenix Mercury two days later.
