Mystics Drops To 0-9, For Their Worst Start In Franchise History (6-4-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Uncasville, CT- Washington (0-9) lost for the second time this season against the Sun on the road 76-59 Tuesday night. The Mystics now set its franchise-worst start at 0-9 surpassing its 2007 season mark. Connecticut (9-0) is now the seventh team in WNBA history to begin the season 9-0 joining the:
1.) Minnesota Lynx: 13-0 (2016)
2.) Los Angeles Sparks: 11-0 (2016)
3.) Minnesota Lynx: 10-0 (2012)
4.) Los Angeles Sparks: 9-0 (2001)
5.) Los Angeles Sparks: 9-0 (2003)
6.) Minnesota Lynx: 9-0 (2017)
7.) Connecticut Sun: 9-0 (2024)
These previous six squads went on to reach the WNBA finals and three of them finished as champions.
Both squads started off the game slow with neither team able to gain any separation as the offense’s traded buckets when in rhythm. Washington took the lead right before the halftime buzzer, as Stefanie Dolson made a 23-foot three-pointer jumper giving the Mystics a 33-32 lead at the half. This was Connecticuts’ first time trailing at halftime this year.
The third quarter was all Connecticut as Brianna Jones and Tyasha Harris opened with back-to-back buckets allowing the Sun to reclaim the lead, and never trail once again. Stefanie Dolson would hit a pair of free throws with 7:08 left, as Washington trailed 37-35. But Jones and Harris continued to hurt Washington’s defense from outside the arc and inside as they helped the Sun accumulate a nine-point lead. Aaliyah Edwards made two free throws with Washington behind 47-40 with four-and-a-half minutes remaining in the third. Connecticut further extended its lead, outscoring the Mystics 11-3 to take a commanding 15-point lead entering the fourth. Washington only managed to make two field goals all quarter.
The fourth quarter was more of the same with Washington’s offense struggling to get shots to fall and Connecticut extending its lead.
Washington rookie Aaliyah Edwards had her best scoring performance of her young career, leading with 14 points, nine rebounds, and a steal. Myshia Hines-Allen added 10 points on 4-7 shooting from the field.
DeWanna Bonner led the Sun with 20 points, hitting 3-5 from behind the arc to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. Jones finished with 15 and Harris with 14 to round out the scoring.
Washington continues its second-half struggles either with finishing out games or holding on to the leads. Their record is not a reflection of their play as Washington has been involved in six single-digit defeats. A couple of those games saw the Mystics lead when entering the fourth quarter. Washington has missed its veteran leader in guard Brittney Sykes who has missed the past seven games with an ankle injury. Her energy and hustle on both ends, and finally her ability to create for her teammates as well as herself to score buckets could’ve helped the Mystics in these late-game situations.
It is hard to overcome a 0-9 start but one win for this squad would do wonders for their overall confidence and mentality out on the floor.
Washington hosts Chicago at Capital One Arena on Thursday at 7 p.m.
