WNBA: Washington Mystics at Minnesota Lynx – Report From Section 111

Perhaps it was the poor showing in the Commissioner’s Cup game or simply working through a rough patch to get back to their tough defense and smooth shooting. Napheesa Collier, who did not score until three minutes into the second quarter, ended with a game high 28 points. Rookie Lucy Olsen had a Mystics team high 19 points off the bench. Additionally, Aaliyah Edwards, under the shadow of trade talk, scored 15 off the bench. Shakira Austin scored 10, the only starter in double figures.

The Lynx only turned the ball over 6 times while the Mystics had 20, conceding 28 points. The Lynx dominated the paint, scoring 52 to Washington’s 36. 

Minnesota and Washington Moving Forward

The Mystics, now sitting at 8 – 10 and just a half game behind the Las Vegas Aces, have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs, despite being below .550. They have a talented roster, particularly their trio of rookies, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Olsen. This just wasn’t the Mystics night. However, well coached by Sydney Johnson, have shown that they are a far more competitive team than pre-season evaluations predicted.

With the way the Lynx finished the game, hopefully they have turned the corner and can get back to more consistent offense and defense. In this game, Kayla McBride, Smith and Courtney Williams all scored ten points each. Along with every bench player scoring, this was the total team effort that will propel the Lynx through the season. 

Up next for Washington is a home game with the visiting Chicago Sky. The Lynx play the first of back to back games Saturday welcoming in the Golden State Valkyries. Without question, Golden State is perhaps the biggest surprise team of the league. The Valkyries are in 6th place and are looking to continue their run to make the playoffs. The Lynx lead the league at 15 – 2, 3 games ahead of the New York Liberty. Should be a good weekend.

And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.