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The Washington Mystics left to an excellent start to the season, beating the hyped-up New York Liberty 80-64 in D.C. They had actually been getting some second-place votes in media power rankings even prior to that, which win appear to legitimize those votes. People began to believe, as possibly they did once again Thursday night when the Sparks leapt out to an early lead over the Aces, that possibly the WNBA is currently more than a two-team race.
People most likely haven’t begun to think about the Sparks a competitor; I’m simply stating that they made the Aces look susceptible. But Mystics fans most likely got really confident about their group’s title possibilities after they beat New York, due to the fact that the Mystics might effectively be that group. They have Elena Delle Donne, who can be found in 3rd on our Top 30 gamer list and Ariel Atkins, who can be found in 18th. Plus, they have a lot of underrated gamers in Natasha Cloud, Brittney Sykes, Shakira Austin and Myisha Hines-Allen.
It is still early though. The Mystics returned down to Earth in their next 2 video games, both losses to the Connecticut Sun. They simply couldn’t decrease Alyssa Thomas and was up to a fellow elite group.
Now the concern is if the Mystics can recover and begin to string together some wins under first-year head coach Eric Thibault. Thibault had one heck of a launching, beating the Liberty, however is for sure not pleased with the existing 1-2 record.
On Friday night, Washington handles the 2-0 Chicago Sky. Chicago is a group the Mystics understand they ought to beat based upon preseason forecasts, however likewise a group that has actually been remarkable to begin the season, so it would feel fulfilling to beat the Sky and the Mystics require that sensation.
Kahleah Copper is the primary Sky gamer who requires to be consisted of. She is balancing 17.5 points through 2 video games and is 4-of-5 from 3. Elizabeth Williams (12 points per video game) and Alanna Smith (10.5 points per video game) are the surprise 2nd- and third-leading scorers for the Sky. The Mystics will likewise have their hands complete with Courtney Williams and Marina Mabrey; Williams and Smith being hot too simply makes complex things.
Other action
Dallas Wings at Seattle Storm
The Wings got almost all their scoring from 3 gamers in their season-opening win: Arike Ogunbowale (27 points), Satou Sabally (25) and Natasha Howard (20). They can’t anticipate those 3 to provide that level of production every night, so it will be very important for others to step up versus the Storm. However, it is still worth commemorating how well those 3 played — specifically Sabally, who some had actually been questioning as overrated.
Seattle clearly had a rough go of it in its opener, losing to the Aces by 41. Everyone requires to be much better for the Storm if they wish to beat an excellent Dallas group, even Jewell Loyd, who had 22 points versus Vegas. Twenty-2 points may not suffice for Loyd in some video games this year; she requires to have some beast trips.
Game info
Washington Mystics (1-2) vs. Chicago Sky (2-0)
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL
How to enjoy: ion
Mystics injury report: Myisha Hines-Allen (out; kneecap)
Sky injury report: Sika Kone (out; disease), Isabelle Harrison (out; knee), Ruthy Hebard (out; individual)
Dallas Wings (1-0) vs. Seattle Storm (0-1)
When: 10 p.m. ET
Where: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA
How to enjoy: ion
Wings injury report: Teaira McCowan (game-time choice; knee), Diamond DeShields (out; knee), Lou Lopez Sénéchal (out; knee)
Storm injury report: Gabby Williams (out; concussion)
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