The Washington Mystics have been on tear as of late, since dropping a game to Seattle a couple of weeks ago, they've hit their stride. Specifically on the defensive end, the Mystics have no issues scoring the ball. At times this season they've lost games where they've had leads in the fourth quarter because they couldn't get stops.
That wasn't the case yesterday as they dominated the visiting Connecticut Sun from start to finish, routing them 102-59. It was the largest margin of victory in franchise history.
The Sun came into this game with the best record in the lead, holding a half game edge over the Mystics. They also had the second best offensive rating in the league (behind Washington) and were in the top five in defensive ratings (one spot over Washington).
The Mystics set the tone defensively, more like attacked with their defense en route to this big win. The only Sun player that had some success offensively early was Jonquel Jones, she also was the only Sun player that scored in double-figures with 15 points.
No matter who was on the floor for Washington, no matter the score at the time, they were still competing on the defensive end of the floor. There was a sequence in the fourth quarter where two players hit the floor in an attempt to get a loose ball, that sequence ended with Washington forcing a shot clock violation.
Offensively, Washington is rolling. Six players scored in double-figures, three starters and three from their talented bench. They kept attacking in waves, overwhelming the Sun time and time again.
Elena Delle Donne led the way with 19 points, Ariel Atkins had 15 and Kristi Toliver added 14 for the starters. Off the bench Aerial Powers had 13 points, Tianna Hawkins scored 11 and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 11.
Washington is currently in first place atop the standings, with a half game lead over the Sun. Up next, the Mystics have a few days off before heading back out west to take on the Aces and Sparks.
