Not Quite

The WNBA's highest scoring team, the Phoenix Mercury, were just a bit too much for the short-handed Mystics tonight, as Washington lost at home for the first time this season, 87-93.

Once again, the Mystics dug themselves an early hole. In fact, at the end of the first period, with the Merc ahead 26-13, it looked as though the game might turn into a blowout. But this is a Mystics team that simply does not give up. So although the home team was still down at the break, 51-42, they fought their way back in the second half, once, twice, three times . . . even taking the lead at one point, by one point. Unfortunately, the fierce effort was not quite enough.

It wasn't just the Mercury's predictably hot shooting that doomed the Mystics. Unfortunately, Washington let this one slip away with too many missed layups (particularly by our two starting post players). And don't get us started on the free throws! The Mystics hit only 17-29 from the line (under 60%), while the Mercury hit nearly 80% (15-19). It doesn't take a CPA to do the math . . . a 6 pt loss and 12 missed FTs! Ouch!

To give credit where credit is due, the Merc's incredibly talented shooters (including Cappie Pondexter, who had a game high 24 points, and Diana Taurasi, who put up 23), all hit shots when needed (especially at the FT line) and helped their team hold on for a narrow victory.

Once again, Alana Beard led the Mystics in scoring (21 points). And once again, Crystal Langhorne (the BasketCases' nominee for Most Improved Player) turned in another strong performance off the bench, posting her second double-double of the season (16 points and 12 boards). Three other players reached double figures, including Lindsey Harding, who played nearly the entire game, and barely missed a double-double of her own --finishing with 12 points and 9 assists. Nakia Sanford and Monique Currie had 13 and 10 points, respectively -- each getting most of her points from the free throw line.

There's no question that this team is really missing Marissa Coleman's offense. (Right now, Alana is the Mystics' only serious 3-point threat.) Still, it was an extremely exciting game, particularly in the second half. Despite the fact that the Mystics didn't come away with the "W," at least the fans saw a team -- even when not executing as they should -- that never quit and never stopped making the effort.

Washington now heads out on a 4-game road trip, the first a rematch with the Sky in Chicago on Saturday night. This trip presents another real challenge to the young Mystics team. Particularly after tonight's loss, winning on the road is a must if they wish to maintain their early-season momentum. The next time we'll see the team at the Phone Booth will be July 11th. Too long! Thank goodness for Live Access.