Mystics vs Phoenix recap: Washington drops second in a row without Elena Delle Donne, 89-79

The Washington Mystics (16-12) dropped their second straight game, falling to the Mercury 89-79, on Friday night.

A win on Friday could have clinched a playoff spot for the Mystics, but their bid fell short. They only need to win one game in the next six to get in the playoffs, so it was not a devastating loss, but considering they led in the game several times, it was definitely disappointing!

Game Notes

Emma Meesseman was double teamed every time she touched the ball, but led the team with 7 rebounds in the first half. She got four touch fouls and had to sit for most of the third quarter, and then fouled out with three minutes left in the game. She finished with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 3 gorgeous assists.

If anyone knows how to shut her down, it would be Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello, who happens to be the Assistant head coach for Meesseman’s winter team, UMMC Ekaterinburg.

To be fair, the rest of the team stepped up, but it just was not enough.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough had 11 points in the first half to lead the scoring, and she did not look like a rookie at all. She played with no hesitation whatsoever really kept the Mystics in it throughout. She ended the night with 13 points and three rebounds.

Krystal Thomas had a nice start, and she got fed by Meesseman all night. It was great watching them connect. She scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt only had 5 points and 7 rebounds. It is just feast or famine with her and really, mostly famine.

Kristi Toliver wasn’t shooting great in the first half, but turned it around in the second half somewhat. She ended the game with a team high 21 points, but shot 0-10 from three. She did go 9-9 from the line, but the team needs her three-ball to win games.

Natasha Cloud slipped on the court in the third quarter and had to be carried off. Evidently she sustained a hip injury, so hopefully she heals quick!

Tianna Hawkins came off the bench and had 4 rebounds in 10 minutes, but went 0-4 on the night.

Allison Hightower also came off the bench and had some really nice moments, scoring eight points.

Ivory Latta went 0-6. We cannot win anything without our spark plug getting the team going! I expect her to go on a tear in the near future.

Overall, the Mystics kept the game close, but touch fouls on the team really hurt them. I liked what I saw from the team overall considering that they are playing on three wheels right now.

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Hey, look who was at the game! NICE.