Storm Cruise Past Mystics (5-25-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Seattle, WA- The Seattle Storm blew out the Washington Mystics 101-69 for their second victory over Washington this season. The Mystics now begin the season 0-6, one of their worst starts in franchise history as they are the only team to remain winless this season.
The Mystics offense struggled throughout the game, as the team shot 24 of 70 (34.3%) from the floor, and 7 of 20 (35%) from three. Washington’s only lead would come from their first field goal made by Karlie Samuelson who hit a three-pointer in the first minute of the game to lead 3-0. From then on, Seattle (3-3) led until the end. Julie Vandoo made a driving layup at the 3:38 mark in the first quarter as Washington (0-6) trailed 19-15. But Washington went without a field goal for almost the next five minutes as the Storm generated a 31-17 lead before Washington’s next bucket until the 8:32 mark when Jade Melbourne hit an 11-foot shot. The Mystics and Storm would trade runs the rest of the second quarter, as Washington trailed 50-41 at the half.
To begin the third, Samuelson made a driving layup as Washington trailed by seven with a little under eight minutes remaining. From there on Seattle took over, outscoring the Mystics 24-7, to lead 76-59 at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter was more-or-less the same as Washington only managed 10 points on four made field goals. The Storm had four out of its five starters score in double figures. Led by forward Nneka Ogwumike who scored 19 points on 8-12 shooting from the field. Skylar Diggins and Jewell Loyd combined for 6 of 9 three-pointers. Sami Whitcomb added 12 points off the bench with four threes of her own.
Seattle made 12 three-pointers, had 27 total assists, and scored 21 points off of 14 Washington turnovers, Samuelson led Washington with 16 points. Vanloo had 12 points, and Melbourne finished with 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal. The Mystics were without starting center Shakira Austin (personal reasons), and guard Brittney Sykes for the fourth straight game due to a left ankle issue.
