Mystics vs. Wings final score: Washington eliminates Dallas in the playoffs, 86-76

The Washington Mystics got it done down the stretch, beating the Dallas Wings 86-76 in the first round of the playoffs and advancing to the second round for the first time since 2002. The win at home was also the Mystics’ first postseason win since 2004.

It was a beautiful thing to watch!

Grit - Check.

Emma Meesseman and Elena Delle Donne crushing - Check.

KRYSTAL THOMAS REBOUNDING? CHECK.

The Mystics were hitting on all the cylinders they needed in the first quarter to take an 18-12 lead.

They blew a 13 point lead heading into the first half, that tied it up. Dallas came to play. They out-hustled the Mystics for sure.

But Washington bounced back in the third quarter, 25-16. Delle Donne led the charge with this big bucket.

In total, Meesseman and Delle Donne played 37 minutes a piece in this game. It showed. The tandem scored 41 points grabbed 21 rebounds and 8 assists. Ouch. They cleaned up shots, hit jumpers and swarmed the perimeter, while Krystal Thomas and Tianna Hawkins kept everyone honest down low.

Tianna Hawkins hit some great shots, as well. She had nine points off the bench. I have been a fan.

Krystal Thomas ended the game with five offensive rebounds and 17 overall. Those are just gob-smacking numbers.

And this play below is what we expect from Kristi Toliver. She deliver edwith 16 points, despite a poor shooting night when she shot 23 percent from the field.

When all was said and done, the Mystics won by ten playing their game. Yes, Aerial Powers got ejected soon after a scuffle with Tierra Ruffin-Pratt in the fourth, and EDD needed stitches from a chin injury. But though they don’t usually win games by sheer force, the Mystics still played methodical, fundamental basketball to win the game.

The Mystics go on to face the New York Liberty on Sunday in the second round for another single elimination game.