Washington Mystics (15-11) vs Las Vegas Aces (12-14)
When: Friday, August 3rd, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena , Washington D.C.
TV: NBA TV, NBCSWA, League Pass
Injury
Mystics: N/A
Aces: Isabelle Harrison (Out, Personal)
Mystics -
84.2 - points per game
82.3 - points against
44.1 - Field goal %
Aces -
83.4 - points per game
85.3 - points against
43.3 - field goal %
Leading Scorers –
LVA PTS
A'ja Wilson 20.3
Kayla McBride 19.3
Tamera Young 10.0
Kelsey Plum 7.8
Dearica Hamby 7.3
WAS PTS
Elena Delle Donne 20.9
Kristi Toliver 13.4
Ariel Atkins 11.2
LaToya Sanders 9.7
Natasha Cloud 8.4
Keep an eye on:
Rookie Phenom A’ja Wilson: The Aces rookie center has not only validated being the top pick, but has started conversation as being arguably the top player in the league in the NEAR future. Wilson is fifth in points per game (20.3), third in rebounds (8.5) and fifth in blocks (1.7). If there has been a position where at times the Mystics have been vulnerable, it’s been the center position and that can be an issue if Wilson continues her dominance against Washington’s front line. In the first match-up, May 22nd, Washington, thanks to clutch shooting from Delle Donne, defeated Las Vegas 75-70. However, Wilson in just her second game, posted 16 points (6-16 FG), 8 rebounds and 3 assist. In their second match-up in Vegas a week and a half later, Wilson showed just how much she had grown. The rookie of year favorite posted 26 points (6-15 FG, 14-18 FT), 12 rebounds and 3 blocks as the Aces knocked off the Mystics who were playing without Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud, 85-73. Wilson outscored and outrebounded the Mystics starting front line (26-22) and (12-8). Washington will look to defend Wilson by committee.
Keep LVA off the boards: What Las Vegas lack in offensive scoring, they make up for in effort, specifically rebounding. The Aces lead the WNBA in rebounding at 37.5 per game which helps them get extra possessions and control pace, which hurts teams who like to get up and down on offense like the Mystics. Washington is ninth in the WNBA in rebounding (32.8) so don’t be surprised to see four crashing the defensive boards throughout the game to keep the game fast which favors them.
Get to the line: Washington are a solid scoring team, although, when they get to the line, they’re among the best in the WNBA. The Mystics shoot 86 percent from the charity stripe which is tops in the league. In fact, eight Mystics shoots 81 percent or better with Delle Donne leading the way at 91.9 percent. 19 percent of Washington’s points (15.9) come from the free throw line. Attacking Vegas early and often plays into the Mystics hands and puts them in a great position to add another win.
