The Washington Mystics are gearing up for a showdown against the Phoenix Mercury in a highly anticipated game that will take place in Washington, D.C. Both teams are looking to end the first half of the WNBA season on a positive note before the month-long Olympic break.
The Mystics, known for their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, have relied heavily on the three-point shot this season. They generate a league-leading 36.9 percent of their points from three-pointers, showcasing their proficiency from long range. Led by head coach Eric Thibault, the Mystics have been knocking down threes at an impressive rate, connecting on 37.1 percent of their attempts, which ranks second in the league.
In their recent game against the Las Vegas Aces, the Mystics had a stellar performance from deep, hitting a season-high 12-of-21 three-pointers. Ariel Atkins led the charge with six made threes and a career-high 36 points, while rookie Julie Vanloo set a franchise record for most made threes by a rookie in a season.
Vanloo, who has made a smooth transition to the WNBA after playing professionally in Turkey, expressed her desire to improve her shooting even further. With the opportunity to face the Mercury, who allow the most made threes and three-point attempts per game in the league, Vanloo and the Mystics will look to capitalize on their sharpshooting skills.
On the other side, the Mercury have been struggling defensively, particularly in defending the three-point shot. In their recent game against the Connecticut Sun, they allowed a WNBA record-breaking eight made three-pointers off the bench by Rachel Banham, leading to a 27-point loss. Phoenix has also been plagued by rebounding issues, surrendering offensive boards and second-chance points at a high rate.
Guard Sophie Cunningham emphasized the importance of securing rebounds to finish defensive possessions, as the Mercury aim to bounce back from their recent losses. In their previous matchup against the Mystics, Cunningham played a key role off the bench, scoring 13 points in a close 83-80 victory.
As the Mystics and the Mercury prepare to face off in a high-stakes game, both teams will be looking to showcase their strengths and address their weaknesses before heading into the Olympic break. With the Mystics’ sharpshooting prowess and the Mercury’s defensive struggles, fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup between these two WNBA teams.
