Mystics 19-7 vs Indiana Fever 9-16
When: Sunday, August 18th, at 3 p.m.
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena
TV: NBA TV, NBC Sports Washington, TSN
Injury
Mystics: Kiara Leslie – (Out, Torn Meniscus in right knee), Kristi Toliver (Questionable, Knee)
Fever: Shenise Johnson (Out, Knee), Victoria Vivians (Out, Knee)
Notes – Washington has become the first team to clinch a playoff spot and are looking for their sixth straight win against the Fever.
Mystics -
87.8 - points per game
77.5 - points against
46.9 - Field goal %
Fever -
77.4 - points per game
79.7 - points against
42.1 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Kelsey Mitchell: In the last game against Washington was a huge spark for the Fever. Off the bench, Mitchell scored 13 of her 18 points in the first half, which after falling behind 39-24 to the Mystics mid-way through the second quarter, resulted in a two point deficit 44-42 at the half. Mitchell was also fairly efficient shooting 6-14 from the field, 4-8 from deep, yet she also dished out a team high six assists. Mitchell’s explosiveness off the bounce and in transition bothered Washington in their last match-up and is something the Mystics must watch closely if they want to make it ten wins in a row against Indiana.
Bench Production: is a strength for Washington and is something that gives them an edge over pretty much every team in the WNBA. The Mystics reserves have had four players be consistent playmakers throughout the season, providing a devastating blow that deflates opponents. Emma Meesseman leads the way averaging 12.5 points on the season while Aerial Powers is next in line posting 10.7 points per game. Over the last four games, Meesseman and Powers are both putting up 17.8 and 16 points a game respectively. It doesn’t stop there. Versatile forward Tianna Hawkins and probably the most improved Mystic Shatori Walker-Kimbrough average 9.2 points and 6.3 points per game as well. Lastly, they’re all efficient, with 44.1 percent being the worst shooting percentage among the four reserves mentioned. Add in their ferociousness defensively as a unit and you have the makings of a legit championship contender. Home court throughout the playoffs is within reach as long as the bench stays consistent, and from what we’ve seen, it’s no reason to doubt that won’t happen.
