Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks Preview

Mystics  vs Sparks

When: Tuesday, July 22nd, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Carefirst Arena, Washington, D.C.

TV: ESPN 3 | League Pass | Monumental Sports Network

Injury

Mystics: Georgia Amoore (Out for the Season/ACL), Sika Kone (Out/ Partial Suspension- Afrobasket Play)

Sparks: Cameron Brink (Out/ Knee)

Keep An Eye on: 

Limiting the Sparks Frontcourt Production: should be first and foremost ahead of the Mystics rematch at home against the Sparks tonight. Washington must find a way to neutralize the versatile and highly productive LA Sparks frontcourt trio of Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Azurá Stevens, who dominated in their last outing by combining for 63 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks on hyper-efficient shooting splits—24-of-40 from the field, 5-of-10 from deep, and 10-of-15 at the line. Whether it’s through increased physicality, better communication on switches, or doubling selectively, Washington’s defensive scheme has to disrupt their rhythm early and often to prevent them from dictating the game on both ends of the floor.

Turnovers: has been a thorn in the side of the Washington Mystics throughout the first half of the season. In their rematch tonight against the LA Sparks, limiting turnovers will be critical for the Washington Mystics if they hope to avoid a repeat of their 99-80 loss a week ago.. In that game, Washington committed 17 turnovers, which the Sparks turned into 24 points—highlighted by a disastrous second quarter where the Mystics coughed the ball up seven times, leading to 14 Sparks points and a 33-12 quarter that ultimately broke the game open. Ball security must be a top priority, especially against a Sparks team that thrives in transition and capitalizes on mistakes with ruthless efficiency.

Physicality Defensively Inside: is mandatory in order to flip the outcome tonight with the LA Sparks. The Mystics must bring a higher level of defensive connectivity—especially in the paint, where they were overwhelmed in their previous matchup, getting outscored 58-34. While center Shakira Austin was solid with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 8-of-15 shooting, and reserve forward Aaliyah Edwards provided an efficient spark off the bench with 13 points in just over 13 minutes, Washington’s interior defense simply wasn’t good enough. For the Mystics to compete, rookies Sonia Citron and KiKi Iriafen, along with veteran Brittney Sykes, all All Stars, must rise to the occasion and set the tone defensively. Their energy, communication, and physical presence will be key to shutting down LA’s inside attack.