Mystics at Mercury preview: Washington to continue their road trip in Phoenix

The Washington Mystics (4-1) face the Phoenix Mercury (2-2) 24 hours after a loss in Seattle.

When: Wednesday, May 30 at 10 P.M. EST

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ

How to watch: WNBA League Pass will stream the game (subscription required). In the D.C. area, tune into Monumental Sports Network (subscription required).

Injuries: Tayler Hill is out due to rehab, Natasha Cloud and LaToya Sanders are doubtful due to illness, and Elena Delle Donne is questionable.

Keys to the game

Learn to take out opponent’s key players...

A major problem for Washington is not focusing on the main contributors of their opponent. Hence how the Seattle Storm game turned out with Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd combining for 52 points.

If the Mystics expect to get a win, they need to make sure they limit Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner as much as possible. Taurasi is the three-point Queen in the WNBA, so it should be expected she’ll take her shots and make most of them. As for Griner, it’ll be tough figuring out the rotation sequence for her.

With a stomach virus apparently circling around, it won’t be for certain who’ll guard Griner; either Elena Delle Donne, Krystal Thomas, Tianna Hawkins, or Myisha Hines-Allen. It’ll definitely be a toss up, but look out for Hines-Allen and Hawkins to be top candidates if Delle Donne remains questionable.

Play your game and not your opponent’s...

In the five games so far played by Washington, it’s clear and evident that they can at times switch out of their own strategy and try to stay afloat with other teams. This may be why they are often falling behind early in the first quarter.

A prime example is shooting threes because the other team is, but yet the Mystics are often not down by too many points. There is no need to shoot a three all the time. more so just tough defense and great play-making. Everything else will work itself out.