Bullets Forever - Mystics hold a “media blackout” in response to shootings near school in D.C.’s Ward 8"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2019-06-22T14:00:00-04:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/184439162019-06-22T14:00:00-04:002019-06-22T14:00:00-04:00Check out this Natasha Cloud t-shirt!
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<figcaption>Like Natasha Cloud said a week ago, WE HAVE TO DO BETTER, D.C.! | BreakingT</figcaption>
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<p>Because together we have to better D.C.!</p> <p id="9Tylbf"><em><strong>Note of Disclosure: </strong></em><em>Bullets Forever has an affiliate partnership with BreakingT, an officially licensed apparel brand of the NBPA and WNBPA. This does not affect Bullets Forever editorial content.</em></p>
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<p id="cqcu72">On June 13, Mystics guard Natasha Cloud spoke out against gun violence in a <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18678440/natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-media-blackout-hendley-elementary-school-stray-bullets">series of social media videos</a>. This came in response after three stray bullets struck Hendley Elementary School in SE. The school is just a couple miles from the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights where the Mystics play.</p>
<p id="rHkBih">Now, you can wear your support and stay together with this t-shirt from BreakingT.</p>
<aside id="jbJddv"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Together We Have To Do Better D.C.","url":"http://bit.ly/2RqmrPe"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/22/18713440/natasha-cloud-t-shirt-together-we-have-to-be-better-dc-breakingtBF Staff2019-06-14T22:45:02-04:002019-06-14T22:45:02-04:00Video: Cloud addresses media on Ward 8 shootings
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<img alt="Natasha Cloud June 14 2019 postgame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pz5iQnWDWMpyBLDbkjpJPTQF-DA=/102x0:2262x1440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64009333/statementcloud.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Diamond Holton</figcaption>
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<p>The Mystics held their media blackout on Friday when they played against the Seattle Storm on June 14, 2019.</p> <p id="wLC9CM">The Mystics<a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/14/18679755/washington-mystics-seattle-storm-recap-aerial-powers"> lost 74-71</a> to the Storm on Friday, June 14, 2019. The loss is notable because it’s their first loss at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. The loss is also notable because Washington lost a game to the defending WNBA champions. </p>
<p id="6s7XyH">But to Natasha Cloud and the Mystics, they were more worried about the loss of lives to gun violence, in particular to Ward 8, the area where the team plays games. </p>
<p id="jkcfY1">After Cloud <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18678440/natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-media-blackout-hendley-elementary-school-stray-bullets">voiced her concerns</a> about three stray bullets hitting nearby Hendley Elementary School in <a href="https://wjla.com/news/local/dc-elementary-school-shot-again">two separate incidents</a> over the last two months, she made her voice known again. The Mystics declined to speak to reporters about the game. And Cloud spoke on behalf of the team. You can watch the video above.</p>
<p id="JMFQuE">Natasha Cloud isn’t just an athlete. And she isn’t just a voice with a large social media following. Cloud is a leader in the D.C. area community. And we’re proud that the Mystics are behind her as well.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Together, we aspire to work with civil leaders and elected officials to find ways to better the communities where we play.</p>— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashMystics/status/1139529297625067521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2019/6/14/18679862/washington-mystics-postgame-statement-natasha-cloud-ward-8-shootings-hendley-elementary-schoolDiamond Holton2019-06-14T22:13:31-04:002019-06-14T22:13:31-04:00Recap: Mystics’ poor 4th quarter shooting leads to 74-71 loss
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<figcaption>Aerial Powers had a good individual game, but it wasn’t enough for the Mystics on Friday night against the Storm. | Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Aerial Powers scored 16 points off the bench, but Washington went cold late which inevitably allowed the Storm to steal this one.</p> <p id="AJQncV">The Mystics and Storm faced off for the first time since the Storm swept the 2018 WNBA finals. Unlike last year, the Mystics came into the game with their roster reasonably complete and healthy, while the Storm were missing MVP <a href="https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2019/4/14/18310696/wnba-fiba-euroleague-women-finals-breanna-stewart-achilles-tendon-injury">Breanna Stewart</a> and future <a href="https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2019/5/21/18634305/wnba-sue-bird-out-for-season-knee-injury">Hall of Famer Sue Bird</a>.</p>
<p id="KROVOw">Despite a first quarter ejection for Kristi Toliver (more on that below) D.C. controlled the game comfortably through three quarters. But the Mystics went ice cold in the fourth quarter, and Mercedes Russell shredded their interior defense to fuel a Seattle run. </p>
<p id="KiczoS">Natasha Howard tied the game with less than a minute remaining. Natasha Cloud turned the ball over on the next possession, and Howard found Loyd for a jumper to give the Storm the lead with 7.7 seconds to go. The Mystics failed to score in the final possession, and the Storm won 74-71. It was also their first loss at the new Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights, D.C.</p>
<h2 id="XF9ylL"><strong>The good</strong></h2>
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<strong>Aerial Powers stepped up</strong> — With Kristi Toliver out for most of the game, there was an increased pressure on Powers, a natural forward, to handle the ball and create offense. Powers rose to the challenge with 16 points. She also chipped in 2 assists and five boards, and she was the only player for the Mystics who could reliably hit from deep.</li></ul>
<h2 id="IUGXSW"><strong>The bad</strong></h2>
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<strong>Elena Delle Donne led the Mystics with 19 points, but shot just 7-of-22 from the floor —</strong> Delle Donne looked strong in the first half, finding her moments within a pass-happy Mystics offense and reaching double digits in the first quarter, but in the second half everything fell apart and <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/12/18662279/elena-delle-donne-washington-mystics-career-low-shooting-efficiency">her slow start appears to continue</a>. Delle Donne doesn’t deserve all the blame - the entire team lacked composure in the final stretch - but Delle Donne dictates the Mystics ceiling. Today that ceiling was low. </li>
<li id="UUiycx">
<strong>Ariel Atkins’ up and down offensive season continues — </strong>Atkins came into the league as a defensive prodigy with the tools to be a swiss army knife on both ends of the floor. While her sophomore season has been punctuated with scoring impressive highs, she’s also struggled to consistently make her presence felt on offense. Tonight was one of those nights, with Atkins scoring a quiet 7 points (her defense remains superb, of course).</li>
<li id="g4TZ1e">Seattle’s Jordin Canada left the game in the second quarter after landing on her knee. She did not return to play the second half.</li>
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<h2 id="jLzPTN"><strong>The ugly</strong></h2>
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<strong>Kristi Toliver was ejected early</strong> — The Mystics point guard received her second technical foul of the game on a somewhat questionable call with 31 seconds to go in the first quarter. She received her first technical came about 7 minutes prior to that. </li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">kristi toliver just got ejected (second tech) for uhhh doing this? <a href="https://t.co/imf0V2A6zo">pic.twitter.com/imf0V2A6zo</a></p>— jack (@jackhaveitall) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackhaveitall/status/1139675985018851328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="4nXo9j"><strong>What else you should know</strong></h2>
<ul><li id="WMiCbt">The only Mystics player available to the media before and after the game was Natasha Cloud, who would only answer questions about gun violence in DC. Read more about Cloud’s activism <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18678440/natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-media-blackout-hendley-elementary-school-stray-bullets">here</a>.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ack sorry, not a statement about the game - statement of course focused on gun violence in DC. One statement *after* the game <a href="https://t.co/xHHqCZ7WlT">https://t.co/xHHqCZ7WlT</a></p>— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) <a href="https://twitter.com/avarwallace/status/1139707637388341249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="u4yXz1"><strong>What’s next</strong></h2>
<ul><li id="s6jWkV">The Mystics head to Los Angeles to take on the Sparks on Tuesday, June 18. The game will air on CBS Sports Network, Monumental, and Spectrum SportsNet at 10:30 p.m. ET.</li></ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/14/18679755/washington-mystics-seattle-storm-recap-aerial-powersL.W.2019-06-14T02:00:18-04:002019-06-14T02:00:18-04:00D.C. councilman responds to Cloud’s concerns on gun violence near SE school
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<figcaption>Natasha Cloud is waiting for a meeting with D.C. Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White and MAyor Muriel Bowser. | Natasha Cloud Instagram video</figcaption>
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<p>Though Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White responded, our guess is that the media blackout is still happening anyway.</p> <p id="IqoSkR">On Thursday, Mystics guard Natasha Cloud <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18678440/natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-media-blackout-hendley-elementary-school-stray-bullets">called out D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White</a> on an apparent lack of action since two shootings near Hendley Elementary School resulted in three stray bullets breaking its windows. Both shootings happened in the last two weeks, including one last Wednesday.</p>
<p id="yrLFpZ">Cloud requested a sit-down with them or solutions to those issues. If she received neither, then she (and likely the Mystics as a whole) will have a “media blackout” for Friday night’s game against the Storm. </p>
<p id="uSnMlT">In a statement to <a href="https://twitter.com/KelynSoong/status/1139396214292508673">Kelyn Soong of The Washington City Paper,</a> Councilman White said the following. Here is the unedited (for grammatical errors) version:</p>
<blockquote><p id="WCP34s">I have been doing youth violence intervention and mentoring some of the highest risk youth in SE for 17 years. We have to go visit Mothers when they lose their children and be at the crime scenes when someone is on the ground fighting for their life. During these times I don’t see the people that tweet. When we have programs in the schools, like Ballou last week, I don’t see the people who just tweet. We are getting more teams and returning citizens to be in the community to address the neglect and social ills that influence violence. We had a big violence strategy meeting last night at the Arc and I didn’t see the people who just tweet. Years from now when they are on to the next hot topic in their lives Trayon White will still be here committed and serving. Don’t tweet join us!</p></blockquote>
<p id="o80bxG">Cloud doesn’t seem to be that impressed.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also this was his response to what discussions has he had to find a solution..and does he plan on talking with me.</p>— Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4) <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Cloud4/status/1139382481465987072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="lysyoA">And our hunch is that the media lockout’s happening anyway. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/T_Cloud4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Cloud4</a> has not received a legit response to her questions:<br><br>1. What discussions has <a href="https://twitter.com/trayonwhite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trayonwhite</a> had to find a solution?<br><br>2. Does he plan on talking with her?<br><br>The blackout will most likely happen tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/VNojWckgOc">pic.twitter.com/VNojWckgOc</a></p>— BF_Mystics (@BF_mystics) <a href="https://twitter.com/BF_mystics/status/1139386559088619523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="ewbw96">After reading Councilman White’s statement, he does make some fair points. Yes, as a councilman, he’s done things in the past to keep people out of trouble in school and from resorting to violence. That’s good. And I agree with him that the act of angry social media activism without action isn’t effective.</p>
<p id="ctFHr8">But I don’t see that with Cloud. She works in Ward 8 like the rest of the Mystics. And just like the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> too. She has a higher profile in the D.C. area since she’s a professional basketball player, a very good one at that. It would be more effective if White collaborate with Cloud on such issues which I think would be a win for the Councilman too.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/14/18678714/trayon-white-response-natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-gun-violence-hendley-elementary-schoolAlbert Lee2019-06-13T21:18:33-04:002019-06-13T21:18:33-04:00Mystics may hold “media blackout” in response to shootings near D.C. school
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<img alt="Natasha Cloud IG June 13 2019" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VodyRQVQQJx2QSF1UP5aBpilJ_A=/866x252:1671x789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64003731/cloudig.0.png" />
<figcaption>Natasha Cloud IG</figcaption>
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<p>The Mystics guard said in a series of Instagram videos that she wants a meeting with D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White.</p> <p id="q2WSje">On Thursday, Mystics guard Natasha Cloud called out D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White to address making schools safer after a couple shootings hit a school <a href="https://wjla.com/news/local/dc-elementary-school-shot-again">less than two miles away</a> from the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast.</p>
<p id="q5nSbN">According to Lesly Salazar and Sam Ford of WJLA-TV,<a href="https://wjla.com/news/local/dc-elementary-school-shot-again"> two stray bullets from a shooting</a> hit Hendley Elementary School on Wednesday during a movie night. Students were inside during that ordeal. That followed a May 30 incident when another stray bullet hit the school, but no students were inside then.</p>
<p id="Q6vliO">So how did Cloud get involved in this? She and Ariel Atkins went to Hendley Elementary School on Thursday. And look at the kids sing!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh btw, here's a video of <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Cloud4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Cloud4</a> at Hendley ES watching the kids sing. They really shouldn't have to deal with gun violence at such a young age, right?<br><br>So no wonder why she's fired up!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherDC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/jONupriE6r">pic.twitter.com/jONupriE6r</a></p>— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/1139331803553157120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="4M159j">During her time at Hendley, Cloud learned about the fact that there were multiple shootings where bullets struck the school. She released a series of Instagram videos that we merged below.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/T_Cloud4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Cloud4</a> released a video about stray bullets penetrating Hendley ES earlier today. Here are four IG story videos we've combined together so you get here message (1/2) <a href="https://t.co/TmTMaOTtKL">pic.twitter.com/TmTMaOTtKL</a></p>— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/1139323292328910848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="git0l7">In it, Cloud called out Mayor Bowser and Councilman White that there were no apparent measures to make schools safer. </p>
<p id="N6jC8J">“When you’re talking about changing a culture, when you’re talking about ending a cycle, when you’re talking about empowering our youth and giving them opportunities, It starts with their education,” Cloud said. “And our kids can’t even feel safe to go to school right now! What are we doing?”</p>
<p id="onmSUI">Later that day, Cloud requested that Mayor Bowser and Councilman White respond to her by Friday morning with a sitdown or solution. If not, she would hold a “media blackout” when the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18677313/washington-mystics-seattle-storm-wnba-preview-gametime-how-to-watch">Mystics play the Storm</a>. In this blackout, Cloud wouldn’t respond to reporters about anything else but the issue of violence coming close to elementary schools like Hendley.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Mystics guard may score 30 points in a win, but she may not speak to the media on anything besides the recent incidents there.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gKV7RsQJNR">pic.twitter.com/gKV7RsQJNR</a></p>— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/1139324936164655104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="XN3PES">Cloud can expect to see most, if not all of her teammates onboard with a media blackout. General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault and Elena Delle Donne support the decision, according to <a href="https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/sports/article/21073165/mystics-natasha-cloud-calls-for-media-blackout-to-raise-awareness-of-shootings-in-southeast">Kelyn Soong of The Washington City Paper</a>. </p>
<p id="C3Pqmx">The WNBA is already known as a league where its <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2019/6/2/18648719/washington-wizards-front-office-search-washington-mystics-atlantic-athlete-activism-season-opener">athletes embrace activism</a> more than those in other sports leagues, including the NBA. But it’s not the first time this has happened before.</p>
<p id="yM9HLj">On July 22, 2016, the Mystics <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/7/23/12262012/mystics-black-lives-matter-shirts-wnba-media-blackout-2016">held a media blackout</a> along with other teams in response to police shootings of African American men and wore “Black Lives Matter” shirts during warmups. Then-Mystics center Kia Vaughn spoke for the team about it. Though it’s unclear what will happen on Friday, Cloud may be the one to speak on behalf of the team.</p>
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</div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIL7e_Ljsah/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#MediaBlackout #WNBAUnity #BlackLivesMatter Tonight's Post Game Wasn't About Basketball. The @officialwashingtonmystics Stand As One To Address The Media. We Thank You @kianiema @t_cloud4 @babyivey12 @trp14 @breezyyy14 @bigmamastef @t_hawk21 @taylerhill_4 @ally_malott @emma_meesseman @_klc215 @jweisner @wnba #WNBA #MyMindOnSports #MMOS #WashingtonMystics #DC #NYC</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mymindonsports/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> My Mind on Sports LLC</a> (@mymindonsports) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-07-23T01:58:49+00:00">Jul 22, 2016 at 6:58pm PDT</time></p>
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<p id="DWIF9E">Cloud should be commended for standing up for things that are right. No one should have to live in fear at home and at school because of nearby violence. </p>
<p id="L6WH0M"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18678440/natasha-cloud-washington-mystics-media-blackout-hendley-elementary-school-stray-bulletsAlbert Lee2019-06-13T19:00:00-04:002019-06-13T19:00:00-04:00Preview: Mystics host Storm on Friday, June 14 before long road trip
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<img alt="WNBA: Finals-Seattle Storm at Washington Mystics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-Q1kGgfAB_QDS-oSEG1PP5by9mE=/0x0:2608x1739/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64003270/usa_today_11232686.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Elena Delle Donne and the Washington Mystics look to get a win against the Seattle Storm on Friday. | Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Without Bird and Stewart, the defending WNBA champions can still give Washington a run … </p> <p id="Tsj7v5">The Mystics host the Storm on Friday, June 14. It’s a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals, but the Storm are dealing with a lot of injuries while the Mystics are also in a similar boat. Let’s preview this one.</p>
<h1 id="dgIhBp"><strong>Game Info</strong></h1>
<p id="bgbHm4"><strong>When:</strong> Friday June 7 at 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="CVMpLL"><strong>Where:</strong> Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, DC</p>
<p id="i8XjwQ"><strong>How to watch:</strong> CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Washington </p>
<h1 id="vTDjhL"><strong>Injury Report</strong></h1>
<p id="31NFQq"><strong>Mystics:</strong> Kiara Leslie (Knee, Out), Emma Meesseman (International Commitments), Kim Mestdagh (International Commitments)</p>
<p id="qumGX2"><strong>Storm: </strong>Sue Bird (Knee, Out), Breanna Stewart (ACL, Out), Shavonte Zellous (Knee, Questionable)</p>
<h1 id="ixsXvY"><strong>Pregame notes:</strong></h1>
<p id="OUmBEp"><strong>Again, it’s a rematch of the 2018 WNBA Finals!</strong></p>
<p id="mU8lHd">The last time we saw the Mystics and Storm match up was in the Finals last year. The Mystics have been vocal about wanting to “run it back” and have showed with their play this season that they aren’t just talking.</p>
<p id="yYyNVg">After getting swept last year by Seattle, beating them on Friday, even if it’s without Bird and Stewart, will feel good.</p>
<p id="XWnFzZ"><strong>Don’t sleep on Seattle</strong></p>
<p id="fqm341">In the absence of Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird due to injuries, the Mystics should not go into this game thinking they have an automatic win. They’re going to have to go through Natasha Howard, Jewell Loyd, Jordin Canada, and Alysha Clark as they are averaging double figures so far this season. Howard and Loyd, especially, are coming off of win against the Fever where they scored 26 and 18 points respectively.</p>
<p id="SVyNPR">Seattle is currently 4-3 this season.</p>
<p id="GqYL2Y"><strong>The Mystics need Toliver to forget last game</strong></p>
<p id="QaMHQ5">Last game against the Sun, Toliver had her worst shooting game this season. She was 0-5 from the three-point range and was 2-of-11 from the field overall. The guard ended the game with 4 points in her team’s 8-point loss. She did, however, notch 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2019/6/13/18677313/washington-mystics-seattle-storm-wnba-preview-gametime-how-to-watchGreydy Diaz