The Washington Mystics displayed their depth once again, this time they did so against the Minnesota Lynx. Washington did not have the services of Kristi Toliver or Tianna Hawkins, midway through this game, they lost Ariel Atkins.
The trio of Elena Delle Donne, Aerial Powers (pictured above), and Emma Meesseman scored a combined 68 points in the 101-78 win over Minnesota. It was the third time this season that Washington has eclipsed the 100 point mark.
Odyssey Sims led Minnesota with 20 points and eight assists. They've had issues taking care of the ball all season long, the Mystics aggressive defense didn't help matters as the Lynx turned it over 17 times.
Washington used a 14-4 run early to create separation in the first quarter, they never really looked back.
Ariel Atkins collided with Sylvia Fowles near the end of the first half, it looked like it was just a solid screen. After review the officials rightly ruled it a common foul.
The Lynx are who they are for a reason so they made sure that Washington had to earn it. Their pedigree showed several times as they cut the lead to single digits time and time again.
Midway through the third period, Minnesota was able to cut the lead to five. Washington started to lose their poise during that stretch, the Lynx got a little physical and some no calls really started to get to the home team. Mike Thibault got hit with a technical foul during the period as well.
Despite that, Washington didn't relinquish their lead. They were able to extend that lead back to 12 by the end of the period.
It didn't take long for Washington to extend the lead, an and-1 play by Shatori Walker-Kimbrough put Washington up by 18 with 8:40 left in the game. The Mystics found a matchup they liked and force fed the ball to Meesseman for a stretch in the fourth, ensuring that the Lynx couldn't get the necessary stops to make a run.
The Mystics are now 17-7, they're also 2-0 on this three game homestand with Seattle coming to town on Wednesday.
Washington is sitting atop the standings once again, they are a full game up on the second place Connecticut Sun. The Mystics are on a three game win streak and have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games.
