Mystics at Fever final score: Washington clinches playoffs with 87-82 win

The Washington Mystics (17-12) punched their ticket to the playoffs on Sunday, winning 87-82, over the Indiana Fever.

Well, the first half was pretty lethargic. Coach Thibault used some different line-ups, and I can’t say they were the best. Simply because there was little rhythm between the players.

But, that did not stop them from leading by three with two quarters in the books, and then trading baskets until the last 10 seconds, where free throws made the difference. They hit a total of 23 out of 25, ninety-two percent!

The Fever made some adjustments, and Marissa Coleman just did her thing for them, scoring six threes for a career high.

Who made the impact?

Emma Meesseman has been doing all the heavy lifting without Elena Delle Donne and Tayler Hill out with injuries. She scored 15 points in the first half and never looked back. She had a total of 21 points, eight rebounds and three steals to lead the team. This is just what she does, below!

Kristi Toliver hit a three in the first half after going 0-10 against the Mercury in the last game. She caught absolute fire in the second, going 5-of-7 for the day. Three assists and three steals nailed it shut.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough was quiet for the game, scoring four points, but we didn’t need the rookie to show out today.

Krystal Thomas is a menace against most teams, and she proved it again today, with 11 boards and nine points.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt had 10 points in the first half and she kept it going with a career high 18 points. Today was a ‘feast’ day, and that was exactly what the team needed from her to clinch a playoff spot! And congrats on scoring her 1,000th point.

Ivory Latta came out flat once again, but turned it up to score 12 points and grab two steals. The spark-plug brought it just when the team needed her.

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The Mystics absolutely needed this win, especially because Elena Delle Donne won’t be back for another couple games and the schedule does not get any easier from here on out. But now the team can breathe a sigh of relief, clinching a playoff spot and hoping for a four seed to skip the first round with a bye. Let’s hope that that happens.