Mystics Tie Franchise Worse Start At 0-8 (5-31-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Brooklyn, NY- The Washington Mystics lost to the New York Liberty on Friday night, 90-79 as they now tie its worst start to the season since 2007.
New York (6-2) came out firing in the first quarter jumping out to a 17-point lead, mainly in part to Sabrina Ionescu scoring 15 points putting the Mystics defense on its heels.
Once again, Washington stayed competitive and fought in this game after outscoring the Liberty in both the second and third quarters to trail 70-67 entering the fourth quarter. The Mystics gained only two leads in the final quarter. Jade Melbourne hit a 6-foot shot to cut the New York lead down to one. Kayla Thompson responded with a running finger roll bucket pushing the Liberty’s lead back to three. After a Washington (0-8) timeout, back-to-back buckets by Shakira Austin and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough put D.C. ahead by one at the 6:42 mark. Ionescu came back down with a pull-up jumper, followed by an Aaliyah Edwards layup for Washington’s final lead of the game 75-74, with 4:59 remaining in the game.
Unfortunately, the Mystics’ fourth-quarter woes would remain in play, as their offense only managed to score four points in the final five minutes. New York’s offense wasn’t as sharp either in the final minutes but was able to get to the free-throw line and make key buckets down the stretch, outscoring Washington 16-5.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each had double-doubles on the night. It’s their second time in the year producing this feat.
Ionescu had 24 points on 7-12 shooting from the field and 4-8 from beyond the arc. Kayla Thornton added 20 points.
Ariel Atkins led Washington in scoring for the 5th time this season, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and 3 threes.
Melbourne and Myisha Hines-Allen each scored 11 off the bench. Washington’s bench had a productive night scoring 37 points combined.
The Mystics will get the weekend off before their next opportunity at its first win when they head down the road Tuesday to take on the Connecticut Sun at 7 p.m.
