Sky Fend Off Mystics in Home Opener

Under-manned, outhustled, and trailing by double digits in the first half, the Mystics showed great resiliancy down the stretch against the visiting Chicago Sky. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the depleted Lady Wizards fell short 84-77 in their home opener. Coming off a nail-biting overtime win against the Atlanta Dream Friday night, the Mystics were involved in another close one as they cut an 18 point first half deficit down to 3 in the closing minutes of the game. But it was too, little too late as the Sky started the game hot from the field, shooting over 70% in the first quarter and taking a 12 point lead. The Mystics were the complete opposite, ending the first quarter shooting a dismal 30%. The Sky continued their dominance in the 2nd quarter, lead by a sizzling Cathrine Kraayeveld, who nailed all three of her 3 pointers as they pulled away with a 51-33 halftime lead.

The second half got a little bit better. Lead by a powerful offensive surge by Matee Ajavon, the Mystics trimmed the lead to single digits. Ajavon's scored 10 of her 24 points in the third. Marissa Coleman, who was nailing almost every shot she took during pregame warmups also came alive in the 3rd, scoring 7 points after being scoreless in the first half. The Mystics continued their surge in the 4th, cutting the deficit to 3 points, which also lead to the possible ear infection I may be diagnosed with thanks to the screeching of elementary school girls sitting behind the media table. In the end, key turnovers on key plays allowed the Sky to weather the Mystic storm and seal the victory.

    

Attending my first WNBA game as a fan and a writer, I must say I was very pleasantly surprised at the fan turnout for the home opener. With very few seats empty, fans (which included 2-time NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant) began their pregame hype and cheering early, almost reminding me of the game 3 "White Out" playoff game between the Wizards and Cavs. However, the joy and happiness quickly simmered away as Chicago ran away in the first quarter.

MYSTICS VIDEOS

COACH LACEY POST GAME CONFERENCE

CRYSTAL LANGHORNE POST GAME INTERVIEW

MARISSA COLEMAN POST GAME INTERVIEW

MATEE AJAVON POST GAME INTERVIEW

 

MYSTICS SIGHTS OF THE GAME

   

Photo Courtesy ~ Joe Glorioso / Twitter