Mystics-Sky Preview
The Washington Mystics are seeking their third consecutive victory as they embark on a five-game road trip that begins against the Chicago Sky on Friday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Washington (9-8) upset the Minnesota Lynx 87-63 on Sunday before beating the San Antonio Stars 84-67 on Wednesday. The victory over San Antonio moved the Mystics above .500 for the first time this season. They are third in the WNBA's Eastern Conference behind the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream.
In the win over San Antonio, the Mystics mounted an early 18-0 run to build a commanding 27-7 first-quarter lead.
"I think we're focused on coming out of the games with really high energy," said Natasha Cloud, who had 11 points against the Stars. "Pushing the ball in transition is what we're doing best right now."
Chicago (6-8) has lost two in a row and five of six, falling to fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Sky suffered an 80-79 loss to the Liberty on June 24 and dropped a 95-83 decision to the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
Chicago beat Washington twice before its recent skid began. The Sky handed the Mystics back-to-back losses, beating them 86-78 on June 1 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., and 98-72 on June 3 at Allstate Arena.
Elena Delle Donne had 18 points and nine rebounds while Cappie Pondexter added 16 points for Chicago in the first game. In the second game, Delle Donne had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, leading six players who scored in double figures for the Sky. Pondexter and Allie Quigley scored 16 points apiece.
Delle Donne is fourth in the WNBA in scoring at 19.8 points per game. Teammates Jamierra Faulkner and Courtney Vandersloot rank second and third in assists, averaging 4.9 and 4.8, respectively.
Washington's Emma Meesseman leads the league in 3-point shooting at 56 percent.
More WNBA