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The Mystics (17-11) face the Storm (23-7) at home.
Game Info
When: Thursday August 9 at 11:30 A.M. ET
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
How to watch: NBA TV | Monumental Sports Network
Injuries
None to report.
What to watch for
Will the bench be ready?
During their last match-up against the Storm, all of Washington’s starters scored in double figures. On the other hand, the bench only scored 7 points. If the bench players made more of an impact, the Mystics likely would not have lost by 6 points. In the second half of the season, we’ve seen glimpses of just how deep the Mystics squad is. There have been several games where almost, if not all, players have scored. These scenarios relieve some of the pressure from Mystics superstar Elena Delle Donne to carry the team.
Washington looks to avenge May 29 and July 8 losses
In their first match-up of the season, the Mystics lost 81-77. Keep in mind, Elena Delle Donne was out this game. In their second meeting, the Mystics lost 97-91. It could have easily been a different outcome if the Mystics bench contributed more. In conclusion, everyone on the Mystics needs to show up.
Mystics need to contain Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd
There’s no winning this game if these three go off. Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd are averaging 22.6 and 16.2 points per game respectively. Sue Bird is right behind with 13.2 points per game. The Mystics are going to have to buckle down in the backcourt.
A random moment in Mystics vs. Storm history
Last year, Bird made her career-setting assist, but Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman led the Mystics to a hard fought overtime win to send Washington to the playoffs last year.
The Mystics have a knack for beating the Storm at home throughout Bird’s entire career, even in 2010 when the Storm dominated the league en route to a WNBA championship.
So don’t be surprised to see Washington get a win by the time you finish lunch today.