Washington Mystics vs Seattle Storm Preview

Mystics  vs Storm

When: Saturday, July 26th, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Carefirst Arena, Washington, D.C.

TV: League Pass | Monumental Sports Network | KOMO 4/CW Seattle

Injury

Mystics: Georgia Amoore (Out for the Season/ACL), Sika Kone (Out/ Partial Suspension- Afrobasket Play), Aaliyah Edwards (Game Time Decision/ Wrist)

Storm: Katie Lou Samuelson ( Out for the Season/ ACL)

Keep An Eye on: 

2nd Quarter Struggles: is something the Mystics must address as they prepare to face the Seattle Storm. In back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Sparks recently, Washington was outscored 57-21 in the second quarter alone, shooting a dismal 28% (7-25) from the field and committing 14 turnovers which led to 22 points for the Sparks, during that span. These lapses have routinely swung momentum and buried the Mystics in holes too deep to climb out of. Against a disciplined and high-powered Storm squad, Washington must prioritize sharper execution, better shot selection, and ball security in the second frame to avoid another collapse and remain competitive throughout all four quarters.

All Star Rookies Getting Back to Form: Washington needs their All-Star rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to return to form as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Seattle Storm and their formidable tandem of forwards in Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams. Citron and Iriafen, who have been key contributors all season, struggled in back-to-back losses to the Sparks. Citron averaged just 7.5 points on 31.2% shooting, though she continued to impact the game with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2.5 steals per contest. Iriafen added 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting a respectable 47% from the field but was less dominant than usual. Against a talented and deep Storm squad, Washington will need both rookies to play with renewed aggression and efficiency to help the Mystics get back in the win column and stay competitive in the playoff race.