The Washington Mystics’ team mantra this season is “Run It Back” referencing their run to the WNBA Finals last season. That focus has driven them to an impressive 7-3 start to the 2019 season, placing them second in the league’s overall standings behind the 9-2 Connecticut Sun.
The Mystics have done so by a tenacious defense that leads to transition offense. Sunday, they showcased their team style as they used a dominating defensive performance in the second half to roll past the Atlanta Dream 89-73.
Washington trailed the Dream 45-42 at halftime. However, the Mystics went on a 14-0 run to start the third quarter, as Atlanta went 0-of-6 from the field with three turnovers.
The Mystics never looked back, holding Atlanta to seven points on 1-of-10 shooting in the third quarter.
Washington currently is the best-scoring offense in the WNBA, averaging 85.9 points per game. They also lead the league with 9.2 three-pointers made per game, 45.1 percent field goal shooting, 21.5 assists per game and 86.8 percent free-throw shooting.
Here is a display of two of their strong points, as Kristi Toliver creates spacing and finds Elena Delle Donne for the assisted three.
Balance has been their key, as five players are averaging double figures in scoring, including Delle Donne who leads the team with 15.9 points per game. Both Aerial Powers (9.6) and Tianna Hawkins (9.4) are a clip away from joining the double figures mark.
The team is sharing the basketball, which comes with balance scoring. Natasha Cloud leads the team with 5.9 assists, but Toliver is right behind her with 5.6 assists per game.
Meanwhile, their defense is just as impressive. The Mystics allow 74.5 points per game and 6.3 three-pointers made — third-fewest in the league in both categories. They also limit their opponents to a league-low 16.1 assists, leading to the league’s best average point-differential of plus-11.4.
The Mystics with their balance scoring, great team defense, and depth of quality players mimics the formula of the past two NBA champion, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors.
The WNBA is still considered wide open for this season’s title, but the Mystics are establishing themselves as a favorite. Last season was more of a surprise. This season, is a more of a statement even with the target of being a finalist a season ago.
