Going up against the top team in the WNBA is no easy feat but the Washington Mystics (13-16) showed the quality of team that they have in the 113-89 loss.
Hanging tight and even at one point in time having a tie score, which shows that this 2023 Mystics team is going to be one to watch as the rest of the W’s season progresses.
Getting to the team leaders in terms of scoring Natasha Cloud had herself a night, as she scored a team-high 21 points on 7-17 from the field. 4-9 from three and 3-3 from the free-throw line.
What is incredible about the stats for Cloud is that her four threes ties a season-high, along with this being her eighth career game with 4+ threes.
Thus far Cloud averages a career-high 12.5 points per game, as she thus far has nine games with 15+ points on the year.
One of the things about Cloud that is fascinating is this idea of her having a ‘rah rah’ and a water mentality. Cloud has such an enthusiasm and love for what she does that it can be seen anytime those that follow the team on social media see Cloud in the videos.
There are times when the Mystics feed off of Clouds positive energy, but then there are also moments when the team ask for Cloud to be more calming and bringing her veteran presence to the floor.
Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Head Coach Eric Thibault, Natasha Cloud and Tianna Hawkins from after the team’s performance in Vegas…video is compliments of the Washington Mystics:
Either way Natasha has been a ball of light and positivity for the squad and is going to play a huge role in the Mystics having any success during the 2023 Season.
Another impressive performance came from Tianna Hawkins as she scored 19 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
A cool stat for Hawkins is the fact that this is her first career game in which she has scored 15+ points, in addition to having 10+ rebounds.
Score sheet leader Brittney Sykes once again made sure she put on a show, as she scored 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal.
Sykes is determined to lead the WNBA in steals, as thus far she has recorded at least one in all but two games this season.
To round out the scoring is Myisha Hines-Allen with her 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block.
An interesting fact for Hines-Allen is that in this game she was one point away from tying her season-high in scoring.
After the team’s trip to the Midwest the ladies return back to the Washington D.C. area, as they host the Chicago Sky in a 3:00 p.m. game scheduled for August 13 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena.
The last time the Mystics took on the Sky was on June 22 in Chicago, and the ladies were able to earn an 80-59 victory. It is going to be interesting to see how the team fares this time around.
For more information on the Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: