Last night the Washington Mystics suffered a 75-85 home loss against the Connecticut Sun. Washington came out aggressive and fought for loose balls and ran the floor.
Unfortunately, the Mystics did not have an answer for Jonquel Jones or Brionna Jones of the Sun. Jonquel and Brionna combined for 53 points as they dominated in the post all night.
Hard fought game. We’ll get ’em next time.
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) September 1, 2021
Thanks for the support tonight Mystics fans!#TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/YpimNX17NN
Connecticut utilized the pick-and-roll to get smaller guards to switch on to Jonquel or Brionna. Despite last night’s loss, the Mystics are still in great shape to make a playoff push.
Washington received great production from Ariel Atkins (16-points), Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (17-points), and Myisha Hines-Allen (16-points).
Obviously, the team is missing their superstars in Elena Delle Donne and Tina Charles who are out due to injury.
Even though the Mystics are under .500 with a 10-16 record, there is no need to panic in the Nation’s Capital for a few reasons.
Washington: Possible Return of Delle Donne & Charles
Washington needs Charles (hip) and Delle Donne (back) in the line-up to contend for a playoff spot. Both players sat out Tuesday’s game due to injuries.
As of now, there is no clear return date for either player but a return in the regular season has not been ruled out.
The Mystics can still grab the eighth seed which is currently occupied by an 11-17 New York Liberty team. Washington is a game behind New York who hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2017.
Without Delle Donne and Charles the Mystics are still close to a playoff birth, not to mention they made the postseason under-womened in the Wbubble (2020).
When and if Washington’s twin towers return the team will be in a great spot to push for the eighth seed.
Insert Natasha Cloud
On the flip side, it’s important not to forget that their leader in Natasha Cloud is still on the floor. Cloud oftentimes is overshadowed by Charles and Delle Donne. But she continues to improve each year.
Not to mention, Cloud is selfless and does all of the necessary things to win. Everything she does is for the betterment of the team.
Yes, Cloud’s struggle could be concerning but she is at her best when she gets everyone involved. As the season continues, the savvy veteran will adapt and help will this team in the right direction.
Mike Thibault
Time and time again head coach Mike Thibault puts this team in the best position to win and stay relevant. The Mystics head coach is a legend in the game and is an open book.
After last night’s loss, the coach talked reflected on the bubble and how the team’s mentality was underwhelming entering half-time.
Put the moves on ’em @Mooks_22!!#TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/k12KQRZCqT
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) September 1, 2021
“When we were in the bubble last year, we were in a losing streak and everything felt crappy and everything going on and we didn’t quit, said Thibault.”
Coach Thibault also talked about how players were hanging their heads after missing shots. His veteran leadership and voice prove that this team is in good hands. Since his hiring in 2013, the Mystics only missed the playoffs two times.
The Mystics will suit up again Saturday against the Minnesota Lynx at 8:00 PM on NBATV.
As the 2021 season continues to unfold, follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 for more WNBA content.
