Double the FunWe can't remember the last time we saw handfuls of Mystics fans leaving the Phone Booth with about four minutes left in the game . . . and the Mystics ahead. That's because it's been a long time since fans could really relax and enjoy the fourth quarter of a game the way we could tonight, as the Mystics totally dominated the New York Liberty from start to finish, notching a decisive win, 82-65.
Mystics fans who sat through a low resolution feed on WNBA Live Access last night from Chicago had fun watching the first half of Washington's weekend back-to-back, and tonight the Mystics treated their fans to an evening of in-person fun, picking up right where they left off last night with excellent (and balanced) shooting -- from the floor (56%) and from the free throw line (84%). They also took extremely good care of the basketball, turning it over only 9 times, while playing excellent, hustling defense against the Liberty, who committed 24 TOs, leading to 34 Mystics points.
Every player on the Mystics roster played tonight, and every player scored. That included rookies Ashley Houts and Jacinta Monroe, who both gave the team some good minutes off the bench. Jacinta used her size well. It's fun to see someone on the Mystics able to grab a rebound because she's taller than everyone else on the floor . . . usually our posts are the undersized players fighting for position among the taller trees.
Once more, Monique Currie was virtually unstoppable, tying Cappie Pondexter for game high honors with 20 points (including a perfect 6 of 6 free throws). Mo also had 6 steals and 4 assists -- quite an impressive stat line for the night! Mo's outstanding performances are getting to be a habit . . . hopefully one she won't be breaking any time soon! And the usually reliable Lang, who struggled a bit against Chicago last night, must've gotten her milk before tonight's game . . . because she bounced back into double figures, with 13, and just missed a double-double, finishing with a game-high 9 boards. Also, for the second night in a row, Matee was a huge spark off the bench, scoring 13 points and harassing New York with her relentless defense (which resulted in 3 steals).
Finally -- playing on her 26th birthday -- Lindsey Harding was the fourth Mystics player to finish in double figures (13). What better present could there be for Lindsey than back-to-back wins . . . the second one another big win against a conference rival, on her birthday, in front of cheering home-town fans?
Happy Birthday, Lindsey, and congratulations to the Mystics on their two dubs and a doubly-fun weekend of basketball!
posted by BasketCases @ 10:41 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
The mystics have found something with matee. It's exactly what was missing. Bench scoring. Great job mystics. Lang, mo, and lindsay should make the all star team. they deserve it.
Awesome...The Mystics had 14 steals... Excellent focus tonight Ladies!!!! Definitely getting the Force!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyable game - the Mystics are playing like winners!
Question: Does anyone know what Anne Donovan said to the Mystics coaches after the game? She was clearly angry and complained to each coach who attempted to shake her hand.
I saw the same thing re AD - my theory is that she was upset with the Lib players. Granted, I am biased, but I don't think the Mystics were playing chippy or that the refs were that bad, so I cannot imagine that she was complaining about either the Mystics players or the refs. The Liberty were just awful last night.
Wonder if it had anything to do with the double technical on Katie and Cappie. What was that about anyway?
That was just b-ball. The Mystics are really playing well. I'm not sure if the super hot shooting will continue, but only 9 turnovers. That's just great b-ball. Bring on Angel and ATL again! I really hope Crystal makes the all star team and isn't overlooked.
If Coach Donovan seemed upset with the Mystics' coaches at the end of the game, perhaps it was because our starters were still in at the end of a blowout, while Donovan had pulled Cappie and McCarville with 3:23 left and Powell shortly thereafter.
-- BC
That's a good point why were our starters in so late in the game. Good thing no one got hurt.
What was the situation that led to the double techincals? I've read all I can find on the game but it's not mentioned anywhere.
And I did see Ann Donovan yacking at anyone who would listen after the game. Julie Planck just kept right on walkin!
Comcast SportsNet is replaying the game right now. Watching what led to the double technical: Katie and Cappie got a little tangled up when Katie was boxing Cappie out on a New York possession. Katie pulled her arm away; Cappie turned to face Katie, blocking her from heading down to the Mystics' end of the court, seemed to say a few words to Katie and then shoved Katie in the chest. Katie did not make any physical retaliation. The whistle blew and both players were T'd up. When Katie returned to the Mystics bench, based on our lip reading skills, her reaction to her T was "that's bullsh!t." We agree.
-- BC
BCs, Thanks for clearing up the double technical mystery. Sorry I missed the replay. Great game last night. Everyone did an awesome job! A few people around me were commenting on the lack of production by Katie and feeling as though she really isn't contributing. I totally disagree, but would love to hear what others think.
She isn't scoring which is why it's been so important that matee is. We needed someone else. I still think her leadership is important for this team and she is a good defender. Maybe her shot will be there later in the season.
The beauty of Smith is that she's pretty much the only star player you'll ever find who will sacrifice personal highlights for team success. I bet if you asked players like Harding and Currie, they'd tell you how much easier it is having Smith around to do the "grunt" work and giving them the chance to score. They're a much better team when she takes 4 or 5 shots than if she scores 20. It seems like a lot of people were expecting the Katie Smith from Minnesota, and she's not been "that" player in years. Doesn't make her any less great, but it's hard to convince people who think scorer=great.
Trust me, the Mystics will be thrilled to have her come playoff time.
I agree about Katie's contributions on and off the floor. She did hit a couple of nice threes yesterday and she seems to always have a couple of assists in addition to her tough defense.
The Styx are tied for third place, 1/2 game out of second and 1-1/2 behind first place Atlanta. And, with Jacinta Monroe starting to step up to help with post play, especially against the tall opponents, this team should be able to keep taking care of business.
Monique seems to have finally found her groove. Having another player on the floor also capable of slashing and hitting the three helps keep defenders honest and not overplaying.
Great team effort by the Mystics! Love to see everyone getting after it!! Really appreciated the shot clock violations that the defense forced on the Liberty!!
A shoutout and congrats to former Maryland Coach Chris Weller and her induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame this past weekend. Loved hanging out in Cole Field House cheering for the Lady Terps.
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