With the Washington Mystics missing key starters such as MVP Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, LaToya Sanders, and Tina Charles, there were many unknowns heading into their WNBA season opener against the Indiana Fever.
Even with this fact, the Mystics needed the pieces they put on the court to step up but the biggest question was who would take on that role. Washington found out quickly that Myisha Hines-Allen was ready for her moment to shine in their 101-76 victory over the Fever.
Hines-Allen is in her third season with the Mystics but hasn’t seen consistent playing time due to the success of Delle Donne and Emma Meeseman. That left her as an option on the depth chart when needed. However, this season is different with the Mystics shorthanded roster. Hines-Allen took advantage capping off her stellar performance with a career high 27 points.
“I’m expecting her to play really well,” Coach Mike Thibault said after the game. “This was a great opportunity for her to make a statement about her game and where she is and how she can help this team. And she’s obviously lived up to it.”
Hines-Allen’s 22 first half points are the most by a Mystics player since Elena Delle Donne scored 25 first half points against the Liberty in September 2019. Myisha’s 27 points and 10 rebounds were a game and league high, and also marked her third career double-double. Whether it was her left hand floater or an open three, Hines-Allen was in her zone.
“This is a great feeling,” Hines-Allen said. “I would be lying if I told you that I wasn’t like shocked, surprised. I’m super happy with myself and how I played, but I wouldn’t be able to do what I was doing if it wasn’t for the support of my teammates.”
Overall the Mystics came out strong in their debut with Leilani Mitchell, Ariel Atkins, Aeriel Powers, Hines-Allen, and Emma Meeseman making up the starting lineup. It did take some time for the team’s defense to fall into place but once it did, the Mystics didn’t look back. Washington’s 62 first half points mark the most the team has scored in the first half since June 2018 when the team scored 65 points at Connecticut.
Alongside Hines-Allen, Powers had 16 points, Messeman had 14 points, and Atkins rounded it out with 10 points. Although Washington pulled off the victory, every game moving forward will be just as important with only 22 games to play this year.
The Mystics are back in action on Tuesday, July 28th at 7 p.m. when they face the Connecticut Sun.