Washington Mystics (10-5) vs Phoenix Mercury (12-5)
When: Saturday, June 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena , Washington D.C.
TV: NBCSWA, NBCSB
Injury
Mystics: N/A
Mercury: N/A
Mystics -
84.7 - points per game
81.7 - points against
45.4 - Field goal %
Mercury -
83.9 - points per game
79.7 - points against
46.0 - field goals
Keep an eye on:
DIANA TAURASI: Sounds simple right? If it was only that easy to do. The living legend is still playing at an all time great level, averaging 20.9 points (second in the WNBA), 4.8 assist and 2.8 rebounds a game on 45 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent from three point territory and 95 percent from the stripe. Her efficiency is off the charts and add in her control of pace, she's a one woman wrecking crew. Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense and that's what the Mystics will have to bring, relentless attacking to tire Taurasi out. Washington has proven they can do it already this season with a win over the Mercury in Phoenix, led by a game high 30 points from Kristi Toliver, and that was without Delle Donne. Slow down Taurasi and the Mystics will be in good shape for their fifth straight win.
Mercury three point shooting: Phoenix can get hot quickly from three point range and are capable of putting together double digit runs at will. Phoenix ranks second in the WNBA in three point shooting at 36.5 percent and three point makes at 8.1. The Mercury have three players, January (55%), Talbot (50%) and Taurasi (40%), shooting 40 percent or better from deep. With Phoenix getting over a quarter of their points from three point shooting, Washington will have to be alert and find their shooters and run them off the three point line. Mystics do that and they will be in a good position to get win number two over Phoenix.
