Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Preview

Mystics  vs Mercury

When: Saturday, May 25th, at 6:00 p.m.

Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ

TV: League Pass

Injury

Mystics: Georgia Amoore (Out/ACL), Aaliyah Edwards (ACTIVE/ Back), Shakira Austin (Out/ Concussion Protocol), Brittney Sykes (ACTIVE/ Right Lower Leg)

Mercury: Kahleah Copper (Out, Knee), Natasha Mack (Out, Back)

Keep An Eye on: 

Mystics Rookie Sensations: forward Kiki Iriafen and guard Sonia Citron will continue to be leaned on heavily as the Mystics look to get back on the winning track when they conclude their four-game road trip against the Phoenix Mercury. Iriafen, the fourth overall pick, has been a force in the paint, recording three consecutive double-doubles, including a 17-point, 13-rebound performance against Las Vegas, thriving in a gauntlet of head to head battles with some of the elite bigs the W has to offer in Brittney Griner, Tina Charles and A'ja Wilson, among others, to start her promising career. Citron, selected third overall, has showcased her sharpshooting skills, scoring 19 points with four three-pointers in a loss to the Aces, while more than holding her own defensively. With key players like Shakira Austin listed as day-to-day, fellow rookie Georgia Amoore out for the season and with Brittney Sykes and Aaliyah Edwards returning, but still needing to find a rhythm and get in sync with the rest of the team, the Mystics will rely heavily on their rookies to maintain their high-level play. Facing a Mercury team led by the dynamic duo of Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, the Mystics' standout rookies must continue their impressive performances in hopes of securing a much needed win on the road.

Mercury Formidable Front Line: of Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kalani Brown—has quickly become a formidable trio in the WNBA. Sabally, a versatile 6'4" forward, brings a dynamic skill set with her ability to score, rebound, facilitate and defend; Sabally comes in averaging a team high 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing her all-around game. Thomas, known for her relentless energy, toughness and playmaking, adds to the team's versatility, averaged 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, a team high 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while also being a defensive menace. The 6'7 Brown, provides a strong interior presence, shooting 66.7% from the field and offering valuable size and efficiency in the paint. Together, this trio gives Phoenix an advantage inside, with a versatile approach, allowing for flexible offensive schemes and switch-heavy defense. The Mercury also, sits atop the WNBA in defensive rating (92.7) and points allowed (74.0). The return of second year forward-center Aaliyah Edwards is right on time, as the Mystics will have no choice but to lean on their front court depth of Edwards, Iriafen, Stefanie Dolson and Sika Kone to combat the Mercury's strong depth inside.