Coming off the bitter taste of losing in the WNBA Finals last season, the Washington Mystics were motivated to flip the script this go around. Standing in their way, however, was a first-round matchup with Liz Cambage and the Las Vegas Aces. Fortunately, the Mystics defeated the Aces 97-95 in a back-and-forth affair.
With a dominant regular season, the Mystics secured the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The red and blue were 15-2 at home this season and this will be one of their keys to success during this playoff run.
The Aces defeated the Chicago Sky in an elimination game on Sunday to face the Mystics.
There were two stars for the Mystics in the matchup. Point guard Natasha Cloud knocked down three 3-pointers to get them going and MVP candidate Elena Delle Donne started well too, scoring in the post at will. But every time it seemed as if Washington would pull away, the Aces came back with a run of their own.
Cambage dominated the paint in the second quarter and forced the Mystics to make adjustments in the second half.
The key to victory for the Mystics was the play from forward Emma Meesseman. She was able to get to her spots, knocking down mid-range shots, post work; and critical three’s.
Mystics head coach Mike Thibault said in the post-game press conference that the three-point shot Meesseman made off the double team from Delle Donne that she wouldn’t have had the confidence to take that shot last year. When his team was struggling offensively, it was Meesseman who kept the foot on the gas and made crucial plays.
This is a testament to the depth on this team. When the opposition tried to key on the MVP candidate, other players could knock down shots at an efficient rate.
Delle Donne was the focal point for the Aces defense. When single covered, she was aggressive and getting to her spots. When she was double-teamed, the MVP candidate kicked the ball out to open shooters. Down the stretch, she hit two big shots that sealed the win for the Mystics.
Coach Thibault was not pleased with the defensive effort for the game. Giving up 95 points is not a recipe for success and it’s something he knows they have to clean up in order to get back to the finals.
Game 2 will take place at Entertainment and Sports Arena Thursday at 8:30 pm, EST.