The Washington Mystics completed their season series sweep of the Atlanta Dream with a 93-65 win today at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Elena Delle Donne led the way with a 28 point point performance on 10-of-13 shooting from the floor. That along with a strong defensive effort was enough to get Washington back-to-back wins following their overtime win in Indiana.
Aerial Powers had 17 points, starting in place for the injured Ariel Atkins. She knocked down four of seven three pointers. Tianna Hawkins added 13 points in 13 minutes as well.
Elizabeth Williams had 14 points and five rebounds, Nia Coffey had 13 points off the bench. Brittney Sykes chipped in with 11 points.
The Mystics were clearly intent on limiting the production of the Dream's perimeter players, even with the absence of Tiffany Hayes. The trio of Alex Bentley, Brittney Sykes, and Renee Montgomery were held to just two-of-12 shooting from the floor in the first half.
Washington used a 19-4 run that started with a lineup change near the end of the first quarter and carried into the first three minutes of the second quarter. That initial group that opened the game up were Meesseman, Delle Donne, Hawkins, Toliver , and Cloud. It was on the defensive end that this group made the difference, offensively they presented a myriad of problems for the Dream to defend.
The Dream struggled to find offense early on, but Nia Coffey and Elizabeth Williams kept them around before Washington made another run to close the half led by Delle Donne.
In the past in these situations, Washington has struggled at times to put teams away earlier. That wasn't the case today as the Mystics scored 10 of the first 12 points of the third quarter to extend their lead to 20 plus.
Powers continued the job of irritating Sykes, to the point that Brittney was issued a flagrant foul in the third quarter. Aerial's impact on this game was huge, she was an irritant and had one of her better games in regards to catching and shooting the long ball.
Washington's depth was on full display as they continued to compete defensively until the final buzzer sounded.
The Mystics travel to Minnesota this week before returning home to host the Mercury on the 30th. All Star weekend takes place in between the contests.
