clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Mystics vs. Storm Game 3 Preview: Washington must win to stay alive

It’s do or die for the Mystics...

WNBA: Finals-Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 brings the Mystics home for the first time in the 2018 WNBA Finals.

Game Info

When: September 12 at 8 P.M. EST

Where: Eagle Bank Arena in George Mason University in Fairfax, VA

How to watch: ESPN 2

Injuries: For the Mystics Elena Delle Donne (knee) and for the Storm Sue Bird (nose). Both are playing so don’t expect them to miss this one.

Pregame Notes

Work Together. Play Together. Win Together.

The Mystics played strong together in much of Game 2 and even held a lead in the fourth quarter. But if there is a time where everyone has to step up, it is now. No more hesitation on open shots; if you got it, take it.

When facing Seattle, Washington has to shoot smart three’s. In Game 2, the Mystics went 0 for 16 from three-point range and somehow only managed to lose only by two.

The same defensive game plan that was effective in Game 2 needs to be present in Game 3. Understandably, stopping Breanna Stewart has been difficult, but limiting her is a must. Forcing other Storm players to be more consistent can change the course of the game.

Get everyone involved

Ball movement was something Washington lacked in Game 2. They only dished 10 total on Sunday and 11 in Game 1. If the Mystics are going to win on Wednesday, then they have to improve their passing so their offense is easier.

Mystics’ head coach Mike Thibault needs to get everyone going. Everyone should play now that it’s desperation time. And a playmaker sometimes isn’t always a starter. Would be nice to see Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Myisha Hines-Allen get more in sync. Hines-Allen was 3-3 with six points and four rebounds. Definitely could’ve kept her going since she was hot.

As a starter, Natasha Cloud only played 10 minutes, which was pretty odd for a someone who can pace the floor and keep the momentum going.

Washington needs all they can get in order to stay alive. This is now officially another win or go home moment for the Mystics.