Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx Preview

It's time for the second half of the WNBA season to begin, and the second game in the lineup will be a showdown between the Washington Mystics and the Minnesota Lynx.

The Mystics have not had it easy this season, with a record of 6-19, and it's been loss after loss. Their last game was a loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Myisha Hines-Allen led in scoring that game with 18 points and finished with a double-double, thanks to 12 rebounds. Following her was a 17-point performance from Julie Vanloo.

The Minnesota Lynx fall on the other side of the standings with a record of 17-8. Their last game was an 86-79 win against the Atlanta Dream. Kayla McBride was explosive on offense, giving her team 30 points in 34 minutes. Natisha Hiedman also did well with 18 points. Lastly, Alanna Smith had 13 points and 10 rebounds to get herself a double-double.

Can Washington beat the odds, or will the Lynx continue their dominance?

Photo byPatrick ForeonUnsplash

Game Details

Fixture: Washington Mystics @ Minnesota Lynx

Date and Time: August 15th, 2024 @ 8:00 pm EST

Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Washington Mystics Team Review

As mentioned, the Mystics aren't having a great season. It's just been a disappointing mess with no bright side. Ariel Atkins has been the lead scorer for the team, with just 15.8 points a game. She's also leading in steals with 1.6. The rest of the scoring column is pretty underwhelming, to say the least. However, rookie Aaliyah Edwards has been solid on the boards with 5.9 rebounds per game, and Julie Vanloo leads in assists with 5.1 per game.

There is no saving this season. Washington can't make an incredible climb to a playoff position at this point. The competition is just too steep. This is going to have to be a try again next year's season. Hopefully, they get a high draft pick. Maybe they can pair Edwards up with her UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and add some real firepower to the roster.

Minnesota Lynx Team Preview

The Lynx are looking at a solid playoff run this year. They're sitting in third overall in the standings and will no doubt be a lock-in for a spot. Napheesa Collier has been an absolute beast, leading in points (20.0 pg), rebounds (10.2 pg), and steals (2.2 pg). She also is coming off a gold medal win in the Olympics. Hopefully, she has shaken off the jet lag and is ready to roll.

Guard Courtney Williams isn't having the best scoring season, but she is leading in assists with 5.5. Alanna Smith is averaging 11.5 points per game while leading in blocks with 1.8 per game. All together, the Lynx have been playing great team ball.

Who to Watch

Washington Mystics

It's hard to pick a player on this team to watch because it's just been such a sad season. However, I'll give it to Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. She's only averaging 8.0 points per game, but she's managed to have these random spurts where she pulls out big numbers. She had a solid one against the Mercury with a 15-point showing. She also had a three-game streak in July, during which she was the lead scorer. If they want to beat the Lynx, they'll need her to show up for this one.

Minnesota Lynx

Normally, I try to mention a player who isn't already a big-time player for the team, but all eyes should be on Collier for her return game. Hopefully, she's bringing some hype with her from her successful trip to Paris. She'll most likely get a roar from the crowd as the attendance has been fantastic this season. I'd expect an 18+ point night from her.

Article originally written by Elizabeth Della Piana