The story of the Washington Mystics’ season (9-13) was the absence of vital starters that took lead roles in their 2019 WNBA Championship push. Without the league MVP Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, LaToya Sanders, and offseason acquisition Tina Charles, there was naturally skepticism about the Mystics ability to reach the postseason without them.
After starting the season in Bradenton, Florida with a 3-0 record, those doubters started to believe but after such a strong start, the Mystics went on a seven-game losing streak with one win sandwiched in between before another five-game losing streak. If that wasn’t frustrating enough, Washington lost the energy of veteran Aerial Powers to a season ending hamstring injury.
It was easy to think all was lost but the Mystics with the leadership of Coach Mike Thibault showed resilience. That resilience turned into three consecutive wins that put them in position to clinch the final WNBA playoff spot on Sunday.
Their opponent, the Atlanta Dream, were hoping to pull off a win for themselves. However, with Ariel Atkins and Myisha Hines-Allen leading the way, the Mystics locked down a hard fought 85-78 victory. Plagued with a regular season that didn’t go their way more often than not, the players attribute finding their identity midway through as the key to turning their season around.
“I’m just so proud of the team, the way they fought the past few weeks and the past few games,” forward Emma Meesseman said. “We found our identity, so to have this as a result it’s just amazing that we were able to fight for something and have a goal that we were able to reach.”
Coach Thibault didn’t smile much this season but after the win, he was in much better spirits.
I know the NFL is back but don’t let that distract you from the fact that the #Mystics are in the playoffs and Coach Thibault is all smiles. @SportsJourney pic.twitter.com/JZ9keI79R0
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) September 13, 2020
Now after winning four straight during a shortened 22 game season due to the coronavirus, the Mystics will face the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, September 15th at 9 p.m. in a single elimination matchup. This will be the team’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance.