The Washington Mystics (12-9) just managed to out hustle the Atlanta Dream (7-12).
WHAT A GAME! WHAT A WIN!!!!! #MysticsDream #EyesUpDC pic.twitter.com/dZx5Q2HE8O
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 19, 2017
The Mystics started out extremely slow, at one point down 16-5 in the first quarter, and the injuries to Elena Delle Donne and Tayler Hill spelled the worst.
Right now, the only active player averaging over 10 points is Emma Meesseman. In fact, she has been averaging 17 points the past three games, but no one else is. So any defense is going to throw two at her. As well they should.
But here came the answer!
Kristi Toliver went off for 29 points, seven three’s. And just like Christy Winters-Scott says, it’s filthy.
Kristi Toliver's 7 3PM ties the @WashMystics franchise-record for most made three-point field goals in a single game! #WNBA pic.twitter.com/rUgvrEFLQi
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 19, 2017
Just when this game looked out of hand, the Mystics went off. They scored 23 points to 16 in the 3Q, and 25 points to 17 in the fourth. Finally in overtime, they scored 11 points to Atlanta’s 7 for a four point win.
Who stepped up
So much talk about who the Mystics are if they don’t have Elena Delle Donne and Tayler Hill.
Well, it’s the usual suspects and a couple of new teammates.
Emma Meeesseman had two points in the first half and scored 16 in the second half. Along with 7 assists and FIVE blocked shots. That is the definition of footwork and being dialed in. I would guess that 3 blocks were from the help side, and there was this little milestone, below.
Good thing we got this OT just enough time for @EmmaMeesseman to get her 1⃣5⃣0⃣th career steal!!! pic.twitter.com/lN7OMQw0Bx
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 19, 2017
Ivory Latta also had 18 points, shooting 5-8 from three. Trade bait? Doubtful.
Krystal Thomas had SEVENTEEN rebounds, NINE offensive. Break-out game!
Tianna Hawkins had 10 points in twelve minutes. Suffocating people is her specialty.
And what started out as a total mess, transformed into a gritty Mystics team that we all know and love. The one where IQ and work ethic save the day. No big ‘stars’, no hype, just great basketball.
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Otto Porter Jr was in the house showing a lot of love : )
"The WNBA is unbelievable."
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 19, 2017
Otto Porter Jr. talks his @WashWizards family, Ivory Latta, and more at the @WashMystics game! pic.twitter.com/zo5rJJ2wha