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Mystics vs. Storm preview: Washington looks for fifth straight win

The Mystics begin their two-and-a-half game road trip.

By Greydy Diaz
Phoenix Mercury v Washington Mystics Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

The Mystics (13-6) will face the Storm (12-9) for the second time this season. In their first meeting, Washington lost 74-71.

Game Info

When: Friday August 2 at 10 p.m. ET

Where: Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett, WA

How to watch: NBA TV, JoeTV, Monumental, NBA TV Canada

Injury Report

Mystics: Kiara Leslie (Knee, Out)

Storm: Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (Knee, Questionable), Sue Bird (Knee, Out), Breanna Stewart (ACL, Out)

Pregame notes

The Mystics need to not get comfortable going into the 4th quarter

In Washington’s last game against Phoenix and in its first matchup against Seattle this season, they were outscored in the fourth quarter both times after outscoring their opponents in the first three quarters. The Mystics need to focus on finishing strong because being outscored in the fourth quarter can backfire like it did against Seattle in June, resulting in a loss. The Mystics were fortunate that they didn’t lose their game against Phoenix after being outscored 32 to 21 in the last quarter.

It’s time for the Mystics to buckle down and go hard the entire game because the second half of the season has commenced.

Can Toliver and Delle Donne keep up their momentum?

Since returning to the lineup, masked Delle Donne has been playing like the MVP she is. Each game she puts the team on her back and if they plan on “running it back” they need her to. Toliver, on the other hand, has been inconsistent this season but in the last two games has scored a season-high 32 points against Minnesota and scored 25 points against Phoenix. She’s found her rhythm and hopefully she can continue to

When she and Delle Donne have momentum, they are the one-two punch that every team fears.

Natasha Howard and Jewell Loyd lead the Storm in scoring

Howard is averaging 18.1 points and 8.3 boards per game while Loyd is putting up 14 points per game. The Mystics need to lock in on these two but be aware that they have other scorers in Jordin Canada, Alysia Clark. Also, they need to not sleep on Mercedes Russell who scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds when Seattle beat the Mystics in June.