Mercury’s defensive pressure makes way for win against Mystics

After a rough first half of missed layups, missed shots, and tough defense by the Mystics, Kathryn Westbeld’s three-pointer with 1:30 left in the fourth turned the tide for Phoenix.

Monique Akoa-Makani scored 13 points with a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:11 left in the fourth. Makani added two more points on free throws to extend the lead in the final seconds.

Westbeld told the media after the game she couldn’t let missed opportunities stick.

“It’s all about the next shot,” Westbeld said.

Makani agreed with her teammate and said it’s all about letting the game keep going.

“Just keep playing the game,” Makani said. “Because it’s a game at the end of the day.”

Defensive Pressure

In a game where Mercury’s offense was quiet, its defense dominated Washington. The Mystics had 30 turnovers and 15 steals against them. Head coach Nate Tibbetts told reporters after the game he was impressed with the defensive effort and fight. He mentioned he had never seen so many missed that many layups, making the defense a focal point in the win.

“Our defense won us that game,” Tibbetts said.

On To The Next

The Mercury will stay home to square off against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m.