The Mystics (12-9) performed unfastened for many of the evening, and there have been indicators that might be the case. Shortly earlier than the sport, Natasha Cloud obtained in a three-point stance, took a basketball and snapped it between her legs to hit Elena Delle Donne proper in the fingers. The two-time MVP then knocked down a three-pointer.
This didn’t seem like a staff that had misplaced two in a row and three of 4, one with an offense that was sputtering getting into the ultimate matchup of a difficult three-game street journey.
Cloud had nervous about complacency setting in after the morning shoot-around and harassed the necessity for urgency in opposition to the Aces (13-4), however pregame the Mystics appeared to not have a care in the world. And then they put collectively their finest offensive efficiency in almost two weeks, taking pictures 47.1 %. There was circulation because the ball moved crisply and the gamers have been decisive, and most significantly they knocked down pictures.
Delle Donne completed with 19 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. The rebounds and blocks have been season highs, and he or she grew to become the second participant in franchise historical past (becoming a member of Emma Meesseman) to notch at the very least 15 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Alysha Clark set a season excessive in factors (20) and matched her finest in rebounds (eight) whereas going 4 for six from behind the arc. Cloud posted 16 factors and 10 assists to increase her streak of five-plus assists to 23 video games, the third-longest stretch in WNBA historical past. Ariel Atkins added 15 factors, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
The Mystics took the lead in the second quarter and by no means trailed once more. But the sport was tight all through, and the Aces tied the rating a number of occasions. Back-to-back fourth-quarter baskets by Myisha Hines-Allen Washington a 71-65 lead, however then the Mystics’ turnover struggles returned. They gave the ball away six occasions down the stretch, ending with 20 for the sport, and the Aces’ Jackie Young buried a step-back three-pointer with 7.7 seconds left to drive overtime.
Washington opened overtime with a 7-3 run, together with a troublesome fadeaway by Atkins for an 84-80 lead with 2:38 remaining. Cloud hit 5 free throws to seal the win; A’ja Wilson made a three-pointer as time expired to set the ultimate rating.
Kelsey Plum and Young scored 20 factors apiece for the Aces, and Wilson chipped in 17 factors and 14 rebounds. The high offense in the WNBA shot simply 38.3 %; half of the Aces’ losses have come in opposition to the Mystics, who host Atlanta on Tuesday.