It was about time! Coming into the game tonight, the Mystics were 5-2 on the road and 0-5 at home. The 'Styx beat the Dream in Atlanta last week, wearing them down with their deep bench. That same advantage helped them tonight, but the difference was further magnified by the fact that the Dream flew to DC this morning after an overtime win last night.
The Mystics took control of the game immediately. They attacked relentlessly, pushing the Dream's defense again and again until someone finally missed a rotation or found themselves a step too far away to protect the rim. The Mystics punished the Dream's missed rotations, hitting 8-16 from deep.
On the other end the Mystics harassed the Dream into 21 turnovers (committing just 12 of their own) and 4-21 shooting from three. Strong off-ball defense from Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Kahleah Copper held Olympian Angel McCoughtry to just ten shots.
The Mystics never let up, ultimately winning 95-65.
Games Notes
Michael Cooper gets ejected
Atlanta Dream coach Michael Cooper was ejected in the third quarter after two quick technical fouls. He appeared to be protesting a foul call on Tiffany Hayes, who reached in on Ruffin-Pratt.
Big nights for Tayler Hill, Emma Meesseman and Bria Hartley
The Mystics have struggled to find their identity as their young players enter their primes. All three have seen their roles increase this year. Hill, Meesseman, and Hartley lead all scorers with 15, 14, and 13, respectively. Hill also added two of the Mystics 12 steals, and Hartley chipped in three of the team's 22 assists.