Mystics Continue Slump After All-Star Break

It seems the Mystics have picked up exactly where they left off before the all-star break by opening up the second half of their season with another loss. This time to the visiting San Antonio Silver Stars 73-67. Despite an overall sloppy performance, the Silver Stars made just enough plays (and of course the Mystics made just enough bad ones) to pull away with the victory. Silver Stars point guard Becky Hammon lead all scorers with 22, while our all-star Crystal Langford lead the way for the Mystics with 19.

In a game that was close from the opening tip off, the Mystics seemed to break down offensively late in the 4th. Reckless fast breaks leading to arrant passes and turnovers, combined with botched layups and bad shot selection were all the mistakes needed for the Mystics to lose game number 12 out of 15 this year.

The Mystics trailed by their largest deficit during the third at 51-44, before went on a 7-0 run to close out the quarter and tie the game at 51.

The fourth quarter started off promising with a quick score by Matee Ajavon, who by the way refuses to respond to my tweets, and a forced turnover on the following defensive possession.

Things started to get a bit chippy shortly after when newly acquired forward Demya Walker body checked Scholanda Robinson on a fast break play almost sending her flying into a baseline cameraman. Players quickly ran over to the scene of the foul making sure things didn't escalate and simmered any possible temper flares. No technical of flagrant fouls were given. It was almost obvious the foul was committed in retaliation to a no call made by the refs following what appeared to be a hard foul on Matee Ajavon on the play before. At the end of it all I was just relieved Scholanda didn't let out her frustrations Dennis Rodman style and shove a sneaker into one of the cameramens pelvis.

Demya Walker, by the way, was acquired from the Connecticut Sun earlier this week. An 11 year veran and WNBA champion with the Sacramento Monarchs, Walker was brought into give the Mystics some sort of spark and play a leadership role. She finished the game with 4 points in 12 minutes.

Trailing late in the 4th, the Mystics still seemed to be in contention after a pair of desperate 3's by Kelly Miller and Marissa Coleman. However, the Stars were able to draw enough turnovers and fouls to pull away. That was enough to send Mystics fans towards the exits, with the loud voice of a die hard Silver Stars fan heckling them on their way out (yeah I know..I guess that actually does happen at WNBA games too).

 

ABBY'S CORNER

Mystics lead after the first, despite shooting only 33% to San Antonio's 46% from the field

Besides Langhorne, Marissa Coleman and Matee Ajavon were the other 2 Mystics in double figures scoring 14 and 10, respectively.