Mystics 18-11 vs Storm 18-11
When: Saturday, July 30th, at 12:00p.m.
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena
TV: ESPN
Injury
Mystics: None
Storm: Mercedes Russell (Out, Head)
Keep an eye on:
Rebounding: this afternoon. It's an essential part of the game that often times is an afterthought yet, goes a long way towards determining wins and losses. Seattle comes to DC ranking 10th in rebounds, pulling down 33.4 per game. That is deceiving. Seattle has two of the best rebounders in the game in Tina Charles and Breanna Stewart who combine to average nearly 15 rebounds per game. Add in the production on the glass of Ezi Magbegor (6.1 rpg) and Gabby Williams (5.0 rpg) and the Mystics have a possible issue on their hands if they don't keep a body on these four ladies. Washington, who ranks 6th in the WNBA in rebounds grabbing 35.0 boards a game, will need to rebound by committee. Delle Donne (team high 6.2 rpg), rookie sensation Shakira Austin (6.0 rpg), Myisha Hines-Allen (5.1 rpg) and reserve Elizabeth Williams (4.2 rpg) are the constant, we all know they will be mixing it up in the paint for rebounds. Who else will step up, especially from the perimeter, and help rebound is the question for Washington. Cloud, Atkins and Alysha Clark are all capable and will be greatly needed if Washington is to win a pivotal game this evening that has playoff seeding ramification.
Same level of defense: the Mystics displayed in their beatdown of Dallas has to be brought back home this weekend against the Seattle Storm. Washington was nearly flawless on the defensive end in Dallas, holding the Wings to 38 percent shooting from the field and 22 percent shooting from deep. Washington's starting backcourt of Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins along with small forward Alysha Clark held the Wings starting guards of Arike Ogunbowale, Marina Mabrey and Allisha Gray to a COMBINED 14-44 shooting from the field (31%). Like i said, flawless execution. Containing Jewell Loyd, Sue Bird and of course Stewie is a different beast for Washington, however, if the Mystics bring that level of defensive impact today, there aren't many teams in the WNBA that can beat them, including the Storm.