NOTEWORTHY:
Mystics Head Coach Trudi Lacey
Thoughts on the game
Its good to win, however I am not pleased with the types of turnover or the number of turnovers. We definitely have to make better decisions with the basketball. The turnovers were silly, I dont know any other way to put it, and we have to continue to work on that. I felt like our defense was very good, especially our three-point field goal percentage defense. That is something we wanted to take away from them, because they have been shooting very well from there.
On Matee Ajavons performance:
It was very nice to have Matee back. She provides a lot of energy and shes tough and thats what Ive asked of the team, she has stepped up and shown a lot of heart and a lot of toughness. It was a team effort, (Crystal)Langhorne came up good with lots of rebounds, Noelle didnt score but she had nine rebounds. So again, its about being a team first, they do what it takes to win and I think they did that tonight.
On the strong start of the second half:
I think we came out very focused and determined, and again there is a different feel from playing from behind and then playing from a lead.
WASHINGTON MYSTICS GUARD MATEE AJAVON
On the first win of the season:
We didnt particularly play well but we were able to come out with the win. We have a lot of things to work on and we will practice and come out better.
On playing the first game of season and playing aggressive:
I felt pretty good. My teammates were behind me the whole time and I just felt confident.
Expectations for next game Minnesota
We have to get ourselves together. Minnesota is a great team and we have to cut down on our turnovers. I think we had 28 turnovers as coach pointed out, so we just have to cut down on turnovers and respect the ball as she said.
Washington Mystics Forward Monique Currie
Thoughts on the game
It feels good to get our first win of the season. It was a battle but Im glad that we found a way to win. We still have a lot to work on especially playing against the world champions next week.
On fourth quarter:
We knew Tulsa wouldnt give up. They came back from being down 11 in the fourth quarter in their last game against Phoenix. They trap a lot and pressure the ball and we need to get to practice on breaking the presses and taking care of the ball because we didnt do a great job of doing that tonight.
Character to still come out with a win:
Last year we lost so many games in the fourth quarter and so many by six points or less so being able to come out with a close win will give us some confidence.
Mystics by the number:
Points Matee Ajavon 19
Rebounds Crystal Langhorne 10
Assists Ajavon, Langhorne 3
Steals Ajavon, Langhorne - 4