Mystics Continue Push For Playoffs, With Victories Over Dallas And Phoenix (9-7-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Phoenix, AZ- The Washington Mystics are winners of their last two games, beating the Dallas Wings (90-86) Tuesday evening and the Phoenix Mercury (90-77) yesterday night.
Washington now sits at 11-23 on the season, only trailing a half-game of the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky for the final playoff spot. They have also won 5 of their last 6 contests, playing some of their best basketball of the season.
The Mystics play Chicago again on Sep.11 in Chicago and lead 2-1 in the season series. While they face up against Atlanta two more times on back-to-back nights Sep.13 and Sept.15.
Vs. Dallas (9/03)
Washington knew how important it was to come out with a victory against a team in Dallas that has had their fair share of struggles this year.
The Mystics did three key things right….
1. Shot 40% from the three-point line and hitting 12 3-pointers.
2. Made their free throws, going 16-17 from the charity strike good for 94%.
3. Finally, winning the turnover battle 11 to Dallas’s 14.
The Mystics were in control almost all the way through leading by double-digits in the first quarter and creating a 16-point lead in the fourth. Ariel Atkins hit a technical free-throw to give D.C. an 88-72 lead with 4:54 remaining. Dallas would make things interesting outscoring the Mystics 14-2 the rest of the way to only lose by four.
Emily Engstler had a big night off the bench for Washington, finishing with a 19-point and 10-rebound double-double performance.
Guards Julie Vanloo and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 11 each. Ariel Atkins poured in 14 points of her own.
For Dallas, star guard Arike Ogunbowale dropped 21 points, while center Teaira McCowan had her 11th double-double of the season with an efficient 20-point – 13 rebound performance.
Vs. Phoenix (9-05)
Washington came out hot by hitting four 3-pointers each in the first and second quarters by five players.
Guard Karlie Saumelson had the hot hand last night, scoring 13 of her 19 points in the first half. She ultimately finished the game perfect from the floor shooting 6-6, and 5-5 from the three-point line.
Washington never let off the gas, as their shooting allowed them to control the game from start to finish. The Mystics shot 53% from the field, made 14/28 three-pointers, and scored 22 points off turnovers.
The Mystics led by as much as 25 points in the game. Phoenix only led for a total of 2:48 the entire night.
Guards Brittney Sykes and Julie Vanloo finished with (14) and (13) points on the night.
Forward Emily Engstler continues her productive outings off the bench scoring 10 points, grabbing four rebounds, dishing out three assists, stealing the ball three times, and blocking two shots on the night.
Engstler has averaged 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks in the past five games off the bench. Nice stretch for her that has helped D.C. come out with wins.
The Mystics return home to host the Minnesota Lynx at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
