Mystics 16-7 vs Minnesota Lynx 12-11
When: Sunday, August 11th, at 3 p.m.
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena
TV: League Pass, NBC Sports Washington
Injury
Mystics: Kiara Leslie – (Out, Torn Meniscus in right knee)
Lynx: Karima Christmas-Kelly (Out, Foot), Jessica Shepard (Out, Knee), Kelsey Griffin (Out, Foot), Maya Moore (Out, Personal)
Mystics -
87.3 - points per game
78.2 - points against
46.5 - Field goal %
Lynx -
76.7 - points per game
74.2 - points against
43.9 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Lynx Efficiency: Shooting the ball is something Washington needs to focus on during tomorrow’s game. Minnesota comes in ranking third in field goal percentage at just under 44 percent on the season. The main reason for this level of efficiency is of course due to all-star center Sylvia Fowles, who is shooting a WNBA leading 59 percent from the field, as well as rookie of the year favorite Napheesa Collier, who is shooting 45 percent from the field which is highly impressive for a rookie. Washington will have to pick their spots gambling for steals in the passing lane, yet, remain sound defensively. There are two areas where the Mystics can disrupt the Lynx offense. One, pressuring the Lynx ball handlers relentlessly. Minnesota is turnover prone, averaging 15.4 per game which is worst in the league. Second, Minnesota is one of the worst three point shooting teams in the WNBA, shooting 32 percent from deep. Harassing the Lynx guards 94 feet, contesting Minnesota at the three point line and having constant communication will enable Washington to be on a string defensively when they swarm the Lynx, keeping Minnesota inefficient in all facets offensively. Washington has allowed teams to shoot well over the last handful of games, they’re due for a strong defensive performance.
Attack the Basket: as often as possible. Minnesota is dead last in blocks at 88 on the season. Yes Fowles is a capable shot blocker, however, she can’t afford to be as aggressive as her talent allows due to the risk of being in foul trouble. Also, she will have to defend either Delle Donne, Meesseman or Sanders, who are all great shooters, which will draw Fowles out of the paint. PATIENCE, on point ball movement and aggressive cuts and slashing will give Washington countless opportunities to score inside throughout the night. Just a matter of capitalizing.
