(Preseason) Washington Mystics vs Atlanta Dream Preview

Mystics vs Dream

When: Wednesday, May 7th, at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Carefirst Arena

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Injury

Mystics: Shakira Austin (Out/ Right Leg), Aaliyah Edwards (Out/ Lower Back Contusion), Sika Kone (Out/ NWT-Overseas Commitment), Georgia Amoore ( Out/ ACL )

Dream: Shyanne Sellers (Out)

Keep An Eye on: 

Mystics Chemistry: continuing to grow is essential to their success. Implementing a new system from a new coach in Sydney Johnson isn't easy, especially with a short preseason, however it's the current situation for Washington. Coach Johnson stated that he envisions Washington executing a fast pace offense with pressure defense this season, which we got a preview of in their preseason loss to the Fever. With a fast offense and pressure defense, there needs to be quick, high I.Q. decision making to become efficient at both. That takes reps and time....in which the Mystics are in short supply of. Washington will be put to the test against a talented, veteran led Atlanta team, while, truly showing the Mystics where they are as they prepare for the 2025 regular season.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE DREAM: is definitely something to tune in to closely. The acquisition of 10 time All Star Brittney Griner, three time All Star Brionna Jones and WNBA Champion and former Mystics guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough shows that the Dream are in win now mode. While on paper, they'e deep and talented, chemistry has yet to be built from real game action and roles have yet to be defined. This game will be the first glimpse of the 2025 Dream and potentially how good they can be.

Rookie Development: is something to continue to keep a close eye on. With the Mystics have three picks in the first round of the WNBA Draft back in April, the expectations is for them to adapt and contribute right away. While Georgia Amoore's development has been slowed down by an ACL injury, Sonia Citron and KiKi Irafen showed promising signs of being ready to make an impact from day one during the Mystics preseason opener against the Fever. Citron finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block on 5-6 from the field, while, Irafen added 7 points and 5 rebounds as a reserve. Both will face challenging match-ups in waves in their first game in front of the home crowd as Washington welcomes the Dream. Citron will have to battle all world guard Allisha Gray, All Star Rhyne Howard, former Mystics guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and promising guard Haley Jones, while, Irafen will come face to face with a living legend in the paint in Brittney Griner and standout F-C Brionna Jones....a Maryland native and legend. All are formidable test to help the rookies gain experience and prepare for the regular season. Let's see what they do with it.