Mystics guard Taylor Hill was unconscious from deep, connecting on 4 of 5 from 3-point range
They say it's a make or miss sport and that's exactly what the story was as the Washington Mystics (12-17) obliterated the Chicago Sky (15-14) 118-81 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Taylor Hill scored a game high 21 points while point guard Leilani Mitchell came off the bench to score 20 points, shooting 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Washington established two new records in the win with most points in a game (118) and most 3-pointers made (16). With the win, the Mystics keep pace with the Seattle Storm (13-17) who are up one game on Washington and in a tie with the Phoenix Mercury in the chase for the final playoff spot.
Washington were without point guard Ivory Latta (Knee) and center Latoya Sanders (Left Foot Stress Fracture), yet they were firing on all cylinders on both ends from the opening tip. Playing inspired team defense, the Mystics set the tone early, holding the Sky to 35% shooting while playing a faster uptempo offense to keep Chicago on their heels. The results were instant and deadly. Washington shot 50% from the field and a ridiculous 71% from 3-point range to take a 25-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Mystics, wouldn't look back, outscoring the Sky 93-62 over the remainder of the game. Sky star forward and WNBA leading scorer Elena Delle Donne went down early in the second quarter with a thumb injury.
"It felt good to sit down during the fourth quarter" said Mystics coach Mike Thibault. "Obviously, with Delle Donne going down it helped the situation but we were already playing well before that happened, and I felt our defense set the tone for our offense. Now we have to get ready for a big game on Friday against Seattle."
The Mystics enjoyed strong contributions from forward Emma Meeseman, who finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assist, center Stefanie Dolson posted 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assist and Tierra Ruffin Pratt added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assist respectively. The Sky were led by point guard Courtney Vandersloot 17 points and 8 assist and Cappie Pondexter 16 points.
Next up as previously mentioned, Washington will host the hot Seattle Storm Friday at 7 pm in a game that may ultimately decide who move on to the postseason.
Mystics point guard Leilani Mitchell shot lights out off the bench, finising with 20 points (7/10 FG, 5/7 3-FG) and 4 assist
Chicago point guard Courtney Vandersloot tried valiantly to keep the game within striking distance
Sky guard Cappie Pondexter drives the lane during a brief Sky run in the third period