The Record Survives!

Until last night, it was looking pretty likely that the one truly memorable record held by the Mystics franchise was about to be wiped right off the books. Fans who've been around as long as we have know exactly what that record is . . . the record for the most futile season in WNBA history! The Mystics' 1998 inaugural season record of 3-27!

The Atlanta Dream closed out their home schedule on Monday, losing to Indiana, to fall to 3-29 on the season. They had two games left, both on the road, the first last night in LA against the Sparks. You know that team -- the one with three Olympic Gold Medalists. Then they wrap up their season tonight in Seattle against the team with the second-best record in the WNBA. Not to be too insulting to the Dream, but the BasketCases thought it was rather improbable that Atlanta would chalk up any more wins this season.

So imagine our surprise to awaken this morning to the news that the Dream stunned the Sparks, 83-72, to improve to 4-29!!! So, happily, we were wrong.

Not only is this good news for the Dream, but this is also good news for the Mystics . . . for two reasons. First, of course, the Mystics' WNBA record for futility survives! (We're Number 1!!!) Why is that a good thing? Well, if, like the BasketCases, you were an eyewitness to that history, you just don't want anyone taking that record away. One win every 10 games? An entire season without a single road victory? All played out in front of packed houses of manic Mystics fans?! That's Special!

Second, since the Mystics own LA's first round pick in the 2009 draft (acquired in the trade that sent DeLisha Milton-Jones back to the Sparks in exchange for Taj McWilliams-Franklin), the worse that LA finishes this season, the higher the Mystics get to pick. It's too soon to be certain, but the Dream may very well have bumped Washington up one place in the college draft.

So our hearty congratulations -- and thanks -- to Coach Meadors and the entire Dream team! Well done, ladies!