Mystics have opportunity to sweep Aces in game 3 of WNBA semifinals

The Washington Mystics are ahead 2-0 in the WNBA playoffs semifinal round as they get ready for Game 3 in Vegas on Sunday. In their first away game of the series, the Mystics have a chance to close out the best-of-five series but the Las Vegas Aces are going to do everything they can to make sure that doesn’t happen on their home court.

In the Mystics 103-91 game 2 victory, the Aces kept the game close until midway through the third quarter. Washington led the Aces, 50-49, at halftime. Meesseman paced Washington’s offense, tallying 16 points on 7-11 from the field to go along with five rebounds and two assists. Kristi Toliver also went on a hot streak late in the 4^th quarter to help extend the Mystics lead.

On a night when Elena Delle Donne was named league MVP, it was Emma Meesseman who emerged with 30 points on 11-19 from the field. Meesseman’s 30 points matches her career high and set a new playoff career high, topping her 27-point performance in Game 1 vs. Las Vegas. Meesseman also set career highs in 3-point field goals (5) and 3-point field goal attempts (7). Meesseman fell two points shy of tying Washington’s all-time playoff record for points scored in a game (32).

Emma Meesseman played lights out, recorded 30 points in the #Mystics victory. Here’s what Natasha Cloud had to say about her teammates growth. #WNBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RfOklqNvOu

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) September 20, 2019

Although Meesseman shined, it was another overall team win. Delle Donne recorded her eighth career playoff double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Natasha Cloud tied the Mystics single-game playoff record with 11 assists en route to her first career playoff double-double. Cloud’s 11 assists tied her own career high (including regular season games) and her 18 points were the most she has scored in a playoff game.

LaToya Sanders, who guarded the Aces 6’8” Liz Cambage, scored 17 points, a new playoff career high, on 7-10 shooting to go along with six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Sanders has recorded multiple blocks and multiple steals in each of Washington’s playoff games this season. Ariel Atkins set a new playoff career high with 4 assists.

Mike Thibault on Emma Meesseman and everyone’s contribution tonight. Says the next game in Vegas will be the toughest yet. #Mystics #WNBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Uq4hdj7q4g

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) September 20, 2019

Washington shot 52.6% from the field and converted on all eight free throw attempts in the first two quarters. The Mystics 103 points scored are the most points scored in a playoff game in franchise history, topping a pair of 97-point performances, one of which came in Game 1 against Las Vegas. Washington also shot 38-73 from the field, tying the franchise playoff record for field goals made in a single game, tying the mark set in Game 1 against Las Vegas.

Now the Mystics must keep up this same energy on Sunday night. Especially with the Aces reeling from dropping two hard fought games. If Washington pulls off the road win, they’ll be one step closer to “running it back” to the WNBA Finals.