The Washington Mystics suffered an 83-86 loss to the Seattle Storm in game one of the first round of the playoffs. Thursday night’s game went down to the wire and could have gone either way.
Although homecourt advantage is a huge factor in the postseason, the Mystics played with poise the entire way. Washington head coach Mike Thibault made sure the team remained focused and called pivotal timeouts to avoid the home crowd at Climate Pledge Arena to disrupt the game plan.
Nonetheless, turnovers impacted the game down the stretch and cost Washington game one. Elena Delle Donne looked loose and unbothered by her back as she finished the game with 26 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.
The battle continues on Sunday.#TogetherDC // @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/CjtzGlYF1x
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 19, 2022
In addition to EDD’s strong stat line, Ariel Atkins and Natasha Cloud cashed in 16 points and shot above 50 percent from three. Rookie Shakira Austin chipped in with 12 points and 7 rebounds. She also gave the team energy and second chance opportunities on the offensive end.
On the flip side, the Storm got off to a slow start, but their veteran core of Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and Sue Bird helped realign the team. Stewart led the team in scoring with 23 points and she also pulled down 12 rebounds.
Seattle received a clutch go ahead bucket from Loyd to help put Seattle in the position to close out game one. She finished the game with 16 points.
Bird finished with 10 points and, as always, helped the team weather the storm (pun intended). Gabby Williams and Tina Charles helped set the tone on both sides of the floor with a strong effort in the first half.
Here are a few takeaways from the Mystics’ 83-86 loss to the Storm.
Mystics haunted by turnovers
Washington started the game off strong, but their turnovers (12) came back to haunt them in the second half. Seattle turned the ball over (13) a lot as well, but Washington’s 12th turnover cost them the game.
With less than 30 seconds in the game, Cloud tried to swing the ball to Atkins, but she could not handle the pass. Every time the Mystics established a lead or rhythm, they suffered a turnover that ruined their momentum.
Obviously, turnovers impact the game, but it’s hard to overcome them when you are on the road, especially when you are playing in Seattle. The new playoff format will allow the Mystics to take another crack at the Storm.
In game 2, Washington will need to limit their turnovers to have a chance to send the series back to Washington, D.C.
Ariel Atkins Jackpot
Ariel Atkins was aggressive out of the gate in game one. However, her efficiency started to dwindle as the game went on. The Texas product is one of the league’s strongest two-way players which can cause fatigue at the close of the game.
Seattle is constantly moving the ball and setting high screens that Atkins has to fight through. Nonetheless, the Mystics will need a huge offensive game from her if they win game two and this series.
Delle Donne is going to produce on the offensive end because of her endless offensive repertoire. But Atkins’s ability to split the defense, knock down threes and space the floor will be huge in game two.
Coupled with Delle Donne and Atkins, Cloud’s efficient shooting and ability to get others involved will help the Mystics’ chances of stealing game 2.
“We’re going to feel this, be where are feet are now, shower, wash it off, and leave it at the gym” – @T_Cloud4 #TogetherDC // @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/4cDGEAcQ2O
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 19, 2022
The Mystical Adjustments of Mike Thibault
Ultimately, game one was close and either team could have walked away with the win. Despite Washington losing game one, they are still in good shape.
The Mystics core have played together for multiple years and have seen it all. Coach Thibault is a mastermind when it comes to game plan adjustments. Expect Washington to come out the gate focused and aggressive on defense early.
Thibault will have his team ready, limit their turnovers and get into their offensive sets quicker.
All Together, for DC.#TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/WuO5lvKTgy
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 20, 2022
Washington and Seattle will take the floor Sunday, Aug. 21st at 4:00 pm EST.
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