Mystics eye home court advantage after regaining No. 1 spot

The Washington Mystics (21-8) already secured a WNBA playoff seed but that’s not stopping them from finishing the last few games of the season in convincing fashion. After a disappointing loss Friday to the Chicago Sky, the Mystics slipped to No. 2 in the WNBA standings. That made Sunday’s matchup against the New York Liberty a must-win if they wanted to regain control of the standings. The Mystics were up for the challenge with a commanding 101-72 win over the Liberty.

The #Mystics are back in the No. 1 spot after a 101-72 victory over the New York #Liberty. They now have their eye on home court advantage in the playoffs. Here’s more in my postgane wrap up with remarks from Emma Meesseman, Aerial Powers & Latoya Sanders. #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/80qO5WStam

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 26, 2019

Washington started fast, racking up a 17-point lead in the first quarter. The bench also provided a boost with Emma Meesseman contributing 10 points within three minutes to close the quarter. The Liberty were scoreless in the second quarter as the Mystics picked apart their offense and went hard on defense. At halftime, Washington extended the lead to 47-31.

The biggest differentiator in Sunday’s victory was a better performance on defense. The lack thereof influenced the Mystics previous loss in Chicago. The team knew they needed to make that adjustment to get back on track. The Mystics finished on Sunday with 32 of their 41 rebounds on the defensive side of the ball.

Coach Thibault on the victory over the NY Liberty: “That was a nice bounce back win.” #Mystics #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/4iCJxMnFRT

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 25, 2019

Also, Elena Delle Donne finished with 22-points and 8-of-13 from the field while the team shot 53 percent overall. Tianna Hawkins added 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Emma Meesseman and Aerial Powers scored 14 points each. Latoya Sanders reached a career milestone with 201 total blocks.

Talked to Latoya Sanders about reaching the 200 career blocks milestone, holding on to the #1 spot, and if this is the deepest #Mystics roster she’s seen: “Yes, without a doubt. No other year has come close to the depth and production that the bench and everybody gives.” pic.twitter.com/EwTZZIXGOs

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 25, 2019

With such a commanding lead for the entire game, Coach Thibault reached deep into the bench which means everyone on the active roster received minutes and ended the game with points. The depth of the Mystics is an ongoing topic as the season wraps up. It’s a unique characteristic that makes the team a true competitor as they strive for another Finals run. Now that the Mystics are back on top, they have their eyes set on home court advantage in the playoffs.

Washington will take on the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday at 7 p.m.