Keys to the Palace: Emma Meesseman, Kristi Toliver, and Krystal Thomas are on a tear

The Mystics are on a three game win streak after two wins against the Atlanta Dream, sandwiched by another win against the San Antonio Stars. They are currently tied for third place in the WNBA standings. If they stay hot, who knows? Maybe they’ll earn a bye to the semifinals!

But for now, let’s catch up on some individual player evaluations. With the Mystics winning three straight games, someone’s gotta earn a key!

Keys to the Palace

Emma Meesseman

Meesseman averaged 21.3 points a game during Washington’s three game win streak. She scored a career-high 30 points in their 77-70 win over the Dream last Sunday:

It’s safe to say that Meesseman’s not satisfied after winning a bronze medal in EuroBasket Women in June. Perhaps that tournament gave her the boost she needed to show that she’s a superstar too.

Kristi Toliver

We’ve been waiting all season to see Toliver go off like she did in the last three games. She’s averaged 18.7 points a game, including a 29 point scoring performance against the Dream on July 19, AND she dropped a season high 10 assists on the Stars in the Mystics’ first post All-Star break game.

Krystal Thomas

Thomas grabbed at least 10 rebounds in each of the Mystics’ last FOUR games, and we’re just evaluating her for the last three. Thomas also played at least 29 minutes in each of the Mystics’ last three games. I’m officially sold on Thomas as a long term option as Washington’s starting center!

Guest Passes

Elena Delle Donne

Delle Donne’s best performance was a 29 point outburst against the San Antonio Stars last Tuesday when they kicked off their post All-Star Break schedule.

That said, she doesn’t get a Key because she was limited in the Atlanta game on Sunday.

Ivory Latta

Latta’s biggest performance was an 18 point performance against the Dream on July 19 when she made 5 of 8 three pointers. Otherwise, she was inconsistent.

Tianna Hawkins

Hawkins shot 8 of 11 in the Mystics’ last three games. Her best performance was a 10 point, 4 of 5 shooting performance on July 19 vs. the Dream and has been awfully efficient in general. That said, she never played more than 13 minutes in any game in their last stetch.

Natasha Cloud

Cloud’s shooting wasn’t on point, but she scored 10 points and dished 8 assists in the july 19 game against the Dream. If she can improve her shooting efficiency just a bit, she’d be a solid starter on most teams in my opinion.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt

If you look at her shooting efficiency, I’d lock her out pretty easily. But TRP sneaks in a guest pass because she contributed on the defensive, passing, and rebounding ends. We know that shooting efficiency isn’t her strongest suit at this point, so it’s important to look at what else she brings to the table.

Lockout

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough

She played 23 minutes in the July 19 Dream game and shot 1 of 7 from the field and committed four personal fouls. Sure, she’s a rookie. But no one’s earning more playing time laying a practical goose egg like that.

Too little time

Allison Hightower and Asia Taylor didn’t play enough to earn an evaluation.

Injuries

Get well soon Tayler Hill.