Washington’s late surge couldn’t overcome former Mystic Natasha Cloud and Phoenix’s backcourt stars
The Washington Mystics did something they haven’t in 14 years, but it’s not the history they want to make. The Mystics fell to the Phoenix Mercury, 83-80, on Thursday night/early Friday morning. The loss was Washington’s fifth straight to start the season. The Mystics have not had a 0-5 record since 2007, when they lost eight straight to start the year.
Brittney Sykes sat out her third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. The Mystics missed her attacking ability and defense against Phoenix’s guard trio of Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, and Natasha Cloud, who departed from Washington this offseason. Without Sykes, the Mercury backcourt finished with 64 points and the Mystics only mustered a season-low 22 points in the paints, even with Brittney Griner out.
After an even first half, Washington fought to take a 46-45 lead with eight minutes left in the third quarter. The Mercury then ripped off a 15-0 run over the next five minutes. Cloud and Taurasi picked apart Washington’s 7th-ranked defense to take over the game. The Mystics didn’t give up to the bitter end, even pulling within one possession in the final minute.
Ariel Atkins led the Mystics with 16 points on 11 field goal attempts. She also contributed in other ways with four assists and four offensive rebounds. Julie Vanloo hit five threes on 10 attempts as she fills in for Sykes, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough had a nice night off the bench with 11 points and 4 assists including a personal 7-0 run in the second quarter.
Shakira Austin’s minutes limit reared its head in the 3rd quarter as the Mercury attacked the rim with her on the bench. Stef Dolson struggled to make up for Austin’s switchability and athleticism in pick-and-roll coverage. She was limited to just 14 minutes due to foul trouble and ineffectiveness. Aaliyah Edwards finished with five turnovers as she still irons out rookie growing pains. The big rotation seems like it could be more of a long-term issue than the backcourt once Sykes returns.
The Mystics take on the Seattle Storm on Saturday at 9 pm. They’ll wrap up the three-game west coast swing before getting three days off.