Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston proved too much for the Mystics
The Mystics’ first winning streak of the season is gone almost as soon as it appeared. After two straight victories, Washington fell to the Indiana Fever 88-81 in Indianapolis. The Mystics struggled to get going, but eventually found a rhythm to keep the game close. With seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Emily Engstler completed a three-point play to pull Washington within three points. But, in a scene that has been all too familiar this season, the defense couldn’t get a stop and a Washington turnover on the next possession allowed Indiana to regain control. A couple minutes later, Clark hit a deep three to put the Fever up nine and they wouldn’t look back from there.
The Mystics faced an uphill battle from the tip-off as Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes were unavailable again. Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, and Aliyah Boston capitalized on the absence of Washington’s two best defenders. The trio combined for 62 of Indiana’s 88 points. Boston dominated the paint and Clark filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Washington, Ariel Atkins put up 27 points on 17 shot attempts despite shooting 2-for-8 from three. It was the first time in her career that she has had back-to-back 25 point performances. Stefanie Dolson also scored efficiently with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
The Mystics are now 2-12, which puts them at the bottom of the rankings. However, there is good news for Washington. First, they don’t play again until Saturday. Second, they play the second-worst team in the standings next. The Dallas Wings are 3-10 and reeling from injuries. Washington will take on the Wings on Saturday at 3:00 pm for the first of two meetings this weekend.