The Washington Mystics have proven to be a tough team to deal with in the paint this season, averaging around 47 points per contest.
But in Monday’s game against Dallas, the Mystics (2-2) struggled with it in a 92-69 loss and look to shake that performance off in Sunday’s road matchup with the Seattle Storm (2-4).
“We just didn’t have enough recognition of what to do or where to go,” center Shakira Austin told reporters after the game. “So, we just got to get back to practice and get all on the same page. I think we just were never really in sync when it came to that.”
But growing pains are to be expected for a Washington team that is the second youngest in WNBA history, sporting an average age of 24.
“This group hasn’t quite seen it all yet, in terms of the (WNBA),” head coach Sydney Johnson said.
The Storm ended a three-game losing streak Friday, beating Connecticut 77-59 behind career-high efforts from Zia Cooke and rookie Flau’jae Johnson. Cooke poured in 25 off the bench, while Johnson scored 17.
Cooke, who is in her fourth year in the league, had high praise for Johnson, the No. 8 overall pick of this year’s draft.
“She brings a lot of energy for us,” Cooke said. “I’ve been watching her really dial in on knowing when to score and when to pass the ball and I just told somebody today in an interview she is our franchise player. She has got to step up every single night and kind of play like a vet. It’s a lot of pressure but I’m super proud of her.”
Johnson is averaging 11.8 points per game. Cooke is the team’s second-leading scorer (12.3).
For Washington, Austin scored 12 in the loss to Dallas and is the third-leading scorer on the team, averaging 16.3 ppg.
Sonia Citron was limited to a season-low seven against the Wings and will look to get back on track. She’s averaging a team-best 20 ppg. Kiki Iriafen was also held to a season low (nine) against Dallas, but is averaging 16.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per outing.
–Field Level Media
