Washington Mystics (1-0) vs Connecticut Sun (0-1)
When: Tuesday, July 28th at 7pm.
Where: IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
TV: NBCSWA, NESN+ / Radio: N/A
Notes:
Washington-
- Forward Myisha Hines-Allen posted a game (and career) high 27 points on 11-17 shooting and 10 rebounds to help lead Washington to a 101-76 win over the Indiana Fever in their season opener.
- Mystics starters shot 63 percent from the field.
-Mystics reserves led by point guard Shey Peddys 10 points outscored the Fever reserves 29-11.
Connecticut -
Injury/Opt Out:
Washington: Tianna Hawkins (Doubtful- Back)
Connecticut: Theresa Plaisance (Doubtful- Back), Briann January (Out-Illness)
Washington -
101.0 - points per game
76.0- points against
55.9 - Field goal %
Connecticut
69.0 - points per game
77.0 - points against
34.8 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Washington's Defense: controlled the game in their blowout season opening win over Indiana. As much as their offense was the hot topic, their stellar defense, holding Indiana to 39 percent shooting from the field and 30 percent from deep, was the real key as to why the Fever couldn't summon up a run to get back into the game. Washington also out-rebounded the Fever 41-28. The same type of tenacity on the boards and staying in sync defensively will be needed even more as they face the Connecticut Sun front court of Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.
Jasmine Thomas: was just off, really off, in the Sun's season opening loss. Thomas, a nearly 10 point a game scorer for her career, shot 1-10 against the Lynx. Connecticut will need her to step up and make shots to help take away the focus from Thomas and Bonner if they're to be in a position to win.
Myisha Hines Allen: had a career game to start the season and that type of production will be needed against the Sun. Washington's starting center Tianna Hawkins is said to be out with a back injury, further hurting the depth of the Mystics roster up front. Look for Hines-Allen to continue to have an all around impact and maximize her great chemistry with Emma Meesseman to battle the Suns potent front court.
