Sun., Sep. 18, 2016, Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. – The thirty-fourth game of the 2016 season for the Washington Mystics (13-21) and the Connecticut Sun (14-20) was also the last of the season for both teams, who are out of the WNBA playoff picture.
Still, the 8,991 fans in attendance were treated to some exciting basketball in Connecticut’s 87-78 win over Washington. The game showcased two teams with different playing styles, proving to be fun to watch with 17 lead changes and the score tied 12 times.
The Sun played a fast tempo game by persistently attacking the basket and fast breaking with every opportunity. One could hear shouts of “Get going!” and “Move, move!” from Sun Head Coach Curt Miller throughout the entire game.
On the other hand, the Mystics were more disciplined. Shots were created through crisp passes to open players. Sometimes even when fast break opportunities arose, the player would pull back from the basket rather than attempt a layup. With this style of play, it is very difficult to overcome a deficit when you are behind. Case in point, the Mystics’ record when they were behind at the beginning of the fourth quarter is 20 losses in 21 games.
The Sun’s tactics resulted in 44 points (22 of 42 attempts) in the paint and 15 (six of nine) fast break points. In contrast, the Mystics finished with 26 (13 of 21) points in the paint and no fast break points (0 of 1). Having the players being very active around the basket, the Sun also outrebounded the Mystics with a 46 to 29 advantage. This gave the Sun 21 more field-goal-attempts (80) than the Mystics (59), translating to 10 more field goals.
Sun guard Jasmine Thomas had a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Jonquel Jones from the bench contributed 21 points with a little less than 15 minutes of playing time.
The Mystics Emma Meesseman and Stefanie Dolson each scored 18 points.
Photos: WNBA 2016 – Connecticut Sun 87, Washington Mystics 78
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine
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