WNBA 2016: In Catchings’ last DC game, Fever overtake Mystics, 80-73

Sun., Sep. 11, 2016 Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. – More than 6,500 fans were on hand to witness the end of the illustrious career of Indiana Fever’s Tamika Catchings.  In her 15 years with the WNBA, “Catchings is the only player in WNBA history to rank among the Top 10 leaders in career points, rebounds, assists, steals and games played,” according to statements issued by the Washington Mystics.  Some of her notable accomplishments include:

Fever forward Tamika Catchings attempts to block the Mystics’ Emma Meesseman during Indiana’s 80-73 victory. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

–       10-time All-WNBA selection

–       10-time WNBA All-Star

–       5-time WNBA defensive Player of the Year

–       4-time Olympic Gold Medalist

–       2012 WNBA Finals MVP

–       2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year

–       2011 MVP

–       Second in WNBA scoring leaders (behind Tina Thompson)

–       Member of the WNBA All Decade Team

Fever Head Coach Stephanie White decided to play Catchings sparingly for only 15 minutes.  In the first half, both teams shot the ball well, making more than 50 percent of their attempts.  But even though Mystics led by five points at the end of the half, it was apparent that the Fever had established its inside game.  Indiana slowly chipped away at the Mystics’ lead, outscoring Washington by 12 points in the paint, 40 to 28.  White was able to use her bench more liberally and had them played nearly half (44 percent) of the playing time.  The Mystics’ bench only played 23 percent of the playing time and were outscored by the Fever bench by 18 points.

While Catchings scored just three points in four field goal attempts, Erica Wheeler and Lynette Kizer each contributed 17 points.  Emma Meesseman led the Mystics with 19 points and Natasha Cloud had a season-high of eight assists.

With this victory over the Mystics, the Indiana Fever (16-15) clinched a playoff berth for the twelfth consecutive season, while the Washington Mystics (12-19) are in jeopardy of not making the playoffs for the first time after three consecutive runs.

Photos: WNBA 2016 – Indiana Fever 80, Washington Mystics 73
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine