WNBA 2010: Mystics escape Lynx, 61-58

Washington, Aug. 13, 2010 – The Washington Mystics (18-12) moved one step closer to a playoff spot by escaping the Minnesota Lynx with a 61-58 win.

It was a game of two halves, with Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen driving for layups, making six of nine shots.  The Mystics were unable to keep up with the Lynx’ defense and the usually reliable Mystics forward Monique Curriedid not convert a basket in five tries.  As a result, the Mystics were behind by 11 at the end of the half.

In the second half, both teams came out with a lot of energy, but it was the Lynx that suddenly turned cold and had difficulties in scoring.  Whalen did not make a single basket (0 for 6) and the entire Minnesota team shot a mind numbingly low 20 percent, scoring just 6 points in the fourth quarter.  The Mystics did a little better, making 11 of 28 shots (40 percent) for the half.

The Mystics will play the Western Conference leader Seattle Storm next.  The Storm has already clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.  A win by the Mystics and a loss by the Connecticut Sun will put Washington in the playoffs.

Throughout the 2010 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season, Meniscus will be covering a select number of the Washington Mystics’ home games at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. For tickets, go to http://www.wnba.com/mystics/tickets/ticketsindex.html.

all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine