The Washington Mystics (17-19) had a physical and tough test on the road in the 84-75 loss to the Las Vegas Aces (31-6) in WNBA action on Thursday.
It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the Mystics, as they are just starting to see those on the team get back to the floor and healthy, yet at the exact same time seeing members on the team go on the injury list.
Playing under the weather for the Mystics is Brittney Sykes, as she filled up the stat sheet with her 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, while also connecting on two three-pointers. In addition, ‘Slim” went 4-4 from the free-throw line in the game.
Not only that but the Mystics are currently dealing with an injury to Ariel Atkins in the game.
It was going to be an interesting test for the Mystics, as the ladies were going up against an Aces team that wanted to rebound from the losses that they have had recently, and boy did Vegas ever do that.
There was a ton of impressive performances from the ladies though, including that of the Batman and Robin combo of Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud led the way in scoring. For Dell Done she led all scoring with 17 points on 7-14 shooting from the field, along with three rebounds, two assist and a steal.
Mystics fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Head Coach Eric Thibault, Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud from after the team’s loss to the Aces…video is compliments of the Washington Mystics:
For Delle Donne, this is the 13th game this season with 15+ points and the eighth such game doing so on 50% or higher from the field. In addition, Elena is one of two players in the WNBA averaging 16+ ppg while shooting 505 or higher from the field and 40% or higher from three this season.
Cloud, meanwhile, added 12 points and five assists, while going 2-2 from the free-throw line. Thus far Natasha has 25 games with 5+ assists leading the Mystics, and that is good for the sixth-most such games in the WNBA.
There is a milestone moment for the Mystics and Center Shakira Austin, as she was able to tally her 500th career point in the contest, as she achieved this feat in 55 games. With this achievement Austin is the sixth-fastest Mystics to 500 points among players who have started their career with the team.
Another milestone is the 100th career three-pointer that was reached by Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, as she is the 16th player to hit the triple-digit mark in threes with the Franchise.
The Mystics continue their four-game road trip by heading out West to take on the Los Angeles Sparks in a game that is to be played on September 3 at the Galen Center. Start time between the Mystics and Sparks is set for 7:30 p.m.
For more information on the Washington Mystics fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: