A Healthy Start

The Mystics opened their 2010 WNBA season tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse, an arena where they hadn't won in the last 6 tries, against a team that had beaten them 7 in a row. But the Fever finally broke for the Mystics tonight, as Washington won, 72-65.

At times the Mystics definitely looked like they were playing their first game of the season, as they turned the ball over 24 times . . . far more TOs than any team should commit. But the Mystics compensated with strong rebounding (35 boards to Indy's 22) and by taking full advantage of their opportunities at the free throw line, nailing 17 of 20 (85%). On those possessions where the Mystics managed to hold onto the ball, they also shot an excellent 50% from the field, while holding the Fever to just 37%.

It's been said time and again that with Alana Beard out for the season, others would have to step up to make up for her production, and tonight they did. Four starters scored in double figures, led by Mo Currie, who took game-high honors with 21 points. Crystal Langhorne finished with 19, Katie Smith, in her first game for Washington, added 12, and Nakia Sanford had 11. Lindsey Harding struggled this evening (no points), and the Mystics got only 9 points from their bench. So, not perfect, but a healthy start indeed.

And when you get a W against a conference opponent, on the road, particularly against one that's given you so much trouble in the past, it's a really good way to start the season. But the Mystics don't have much time to savor their victory, as they play the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow evening in Minnesota against the Lynx at 7 PM. (Minny also won on the road tonight, spoiling the debut of the Shock in Tulsa.)

Tomorrow's game, like tonight's, will be available on Live Access, which got off to a pretty bumpy start. No game feed at all for well into the first quarter, and then, once there was video, it froze up repeatedly. Live Access for all games is a great way to follow the Mystics on the road, so here's hoping the league can smooth out the kinks (preferably by tomorrow night).

Congratulations Mystics! Go Washington! Beat Minny!