Mystics Hang On For Second Straight Victory (6-14-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Washington D.C- The Washington Mystics picked up the victory over the Chicago Sky 83-81 on June 14th, at the St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena.
Washington (2-12) now has won its second straight victory after earning their first win of the 2024 season.
Ariel Atkins dropped a season-high 29 points on 9-13 shooting while going 9-9 from the free throw line and 2-5 from downtown.
The Mystics jumped ahead early on in the first, leading 9-0. Washington’s defense did an excellent job of forcing Chicago (4-9) into difficult looks and preventing them from setting up their looks from inside the paint. Washington rookie Aaliyah Edwards was active from tipoff, scoring eight first-quarter points and dominating down the lanes. D.C. led by fourteen points after the first quarter.
Washington would strive off big runs by the Sky in the second and third quarter leading 68-59 heading into the fourth quarter.
After Jade Melbourne made a layup around the eight-minute mark to put the Mystics up by 15 before Chicago would make its run. Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese helped lead the Sky’s offense to outscore the Mystics 20-7 the rest of the way.
Lindsay Allen made a driving layup as Chicago trailed 83-81 with under a minute remaining. Back-to-back offensive opportunities on the Mystics’ opportunities that came up scoreless allowed the Sky to tie or lead. With 13 seconds left, Carter passed it to Allen in the left corner for a tough contested three-pointer that rimmed off and resulted in a loose ball foul on Stefanie Dolson on the defensive rebound attempt with 0.2 seconds left. Marina Mabrey was sent to the line with a chance to send the game to overtime, but missed the key first free throw all but ending the game.
Chicago had five different players that scored in double figures, with Carter leading the way scoring 16 points on 6-9 shooting from the field. Rookie Angel Reese continues her hot stretch notching her sixth straight double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Fellow rookie teammate Kamila Cardoso scored 12, Dana Evans had 14 points, and Allen scored 10.
Aaliyah Edwards finished with 16 points shooting 6-7, adding 9 rebounds and three blocks. Karlie Samuelson added 12 points.
Washington was able to finish off this close game against the Sky, something they have struggled with throughout this season in these types of matchups. Showcasing the teams’ growth and ability to figure out ways to close out wins in tight affair contests.
The Mystics have had some time off and travel to Indiana tomorrow looking for a win in round two with the Fever, after dropping a nail-biting 85-83 finish at Capital One Arena back on June 7th.
