By beating Toronto on Wednesday night, the Washington Mystics moved another step closer to their first WNBA playoff appearance in three years.
If they can stop the visiting Minnesota Lynx on Friday night, Washington might show some folks that they are ready to perhaps do more than simply make the postseason.
The Mystics (21-14) usually win with defense and rebounding, but they got going on offense in their 93-82 decision over the Tempo. They scored 11 more points than their season average, which ranks 14th in the 15-team league, and they also hit 9 of 27 3-pointers, better than their league-worst 29.9%.
Coach Sydney Johnson was especially encouraged that Michaela Onyenwere and Georgia Amoore were able to nail 7 of 14 from the arc.
“It was awesome to see the two of them making shots,” Johnson said. “We know we’re going to need them. We want them to shoot, shoot and shoot some more. All of that goes on the heels of our dominance in the post.”
Washington got double-doubles from Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin on Wednesday night. It was fitting, as the team leads the league in rebounding and Austin (9.6 per game) and Iriafen (9.2) rank fourth and fifth on the individual list.
Meanwhile, Minnesota (30-7) comes into town fresh off a 77-66 win Wednesday night at Golden State that all but locked up the top seed for the playoffs. The Lynx lead the Valkyries by four games and have clinched the season series. Minnesota needs four wins in its final seven games to lock down home court through the postseason.
“Ultimately I wasn’t surprised by anything that happened in the game, including our response, and that’s what we talked about before the game,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “It’s who this team is … You have to have the ability to have physical and mental toughness to be able to get through.”
Star rookie Olivia Miles left Wednesday night’s game with an ankle injury. Miles, who battled a similar injury last month, is averaging 19.9 ppg and 6.2 assists.
Miles was seen postgame walking to the locker room without aid, and the injury report Thursday listed her as probable for the game.
The teams split a home-and-home series in June, with each winning on the road.
–Field Level Media
