Mystics 9-15 vs Wings 11-14
When: Saturday, Aug 28th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, DC
TV: Facebook / Radio: N/A
Injury
Mystics: Tina Charles (Out, Left Gluteal Strain), Elena Delle Donne (Questionable, Back)
Wings: Satou Sabally (Out, Achilles), Allisha Gray (Out, Concussion)
Mystics -
80.8 - points per game
83.3 - points against
40.7 - Field Goal %
Wings-
83.6 - points per game
82.9- points against
42.8 - Field Goal %
Keep an eye on:
Mystics Bench: was HUGE despite the loss Thursday. Washington's reserves led by Theresa Plaisance 13 points and 5 rebounds, outscored the Wings reserves 34-16, stepping up in the second half when Elena Delle Donne went down with injury and didn't return. Maintaining strong production from the Mystics reserves is a MUST if Washington is to pick up a win that they're in dire need of with them on the outside looking in of the WNBA playoff race.
Washington's Starting Perimeter: needs to be more efficient shooting the ball from outside. It will take pressure off of the Mystics post players to have to score a lot inside and it will allow everyone to fit more comfortably in their roles instead of having to play outside of their respective roles. During Thursdays loss to Dallas, Ariel Atkins, Natasha Cloud and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough combined to shoot 6-20 from the field and 1-9 from 3-point range. In comparison, Wings all star guard Arike Ogunbowale shot 8-16 from the field and 2-4 from deep for a game high 26 points by herself. Washington's starting perimeter trio has to make shots from outside to keep the Wings defense honest or it will be a struggle to generate points consistently and efficiently.
Isabelle Harrison: DOMINATED in Dallas win over Washington. She scored inside and out, defended well in all aspects, on the ball, help side, in pick & roll situations and rebounded great. Harrison posted 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds (5 offensive) on 10-15 shooting from the field. Its one thing to have to try to contain Dallas leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale, but, its an entirely different deal when Washington is trying to contain Ogunbowale and Harrison is hot and scoring at will. It opens things up for Dallas and allows Ogunbowale to dissect any defense with her scoring and vastly improved playmaking. Keeping Harrison at her season average of 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds is ideal if Washington wants to return the favor with a win tonight.