Mystics pick up second straight win over Sky in 88-79 victory

The Mystics beat the Sky in 88-79 in Washington on Friday night. It was their second win over Chicago in three days.

After pulling out a close win in Chicago on Wednesday, the Mystics pulled out a much more convincing win at home. The Mystics led by 21 at the end of the third quarter before the Sky made a late run to make the final margin look closer than it appeared.

The Good News

Tonight was Military Night and the Mystics got the W.

The Mystics had some real flashes in the first half and ended it up nine points, 47-38.

The third quarter they did not let up.

Elena Delle Donne started the game slow, but managed seven points in a couple minutes and finished with ten, to end the first half. The game got progressively more physical, and it seemed like she had clearly had enough. She hit a bucket in the paint and came right back and hit a three. How’s that phrase go? Don’t tug on Super Woman’s jersey? No?

She also just about hit her average with 20 points and seven rebounds for the game. She has missed ONE free throw through five games and shot 3 for 3 today. She is most certainly living up to her billing.

Tayler Hill kept the defense honest with her 19 points, three assists, and five rebounds. Wide open shots definitely don’t hurt.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt reverted to her similar scoring average: 3-8 for 6 points. But she had a few shifts with very spirited defense, so that’s a pass.

Tianna Hawkins had another good game, holding up her end of the deal once again. 12 points and 5 rebounds did not disappoint. She got everyone going when she came in with a few minutes left in the first quarter and never looked back.

Kristi Toliver had a nice game, contributing 9 points and 5 assists.

Ivory Latta had 10 points and 3 assists. She hit a three from space that really got the crowd going. She was feeling it!

The Bad News

The Mystics visibly took their foot off the gas pedal in the fourth quarter. They cannot do that against the better teams in the association, or else they will get hammered like they did in their two losses this season.

The Neutral News

The Mystics had FIVE players in double figures, that was just too much fire power for this brand new Sky team. Though it was a large margin a few times, the Mystics clearly got caught ball-watching in the fourth, and that has got to be a point of emphasis going forward. The chemistry is there at times, but not the focus.

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This is a new segment with Dan Nolan “Tunnel Time”, kicking it off with Tayler Hill.