WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indiana Fever failed to answer the rapid pace of play set by the Mystics as Washington claimed victory, 89-84.
The Mystics “played with real force” as stated by head coach Eric Thibault, dishing out 23 assists in the matchup. Currently ranked third in the league in assists per game, the team steadily holds an average of 21.9 assists per contest. Washington needs to have 20+ assists in six more games in order to surpass the record for most games in a season with 20+ assists (25), a record set during the franchise’s championship season.
Once again, the league-leading bench was unstoppable in this matchup on the road. Mystics reserves combined for 35 points, boosting their points per game average to 26.6. Player of the Game Ariel Atkins lit up Gainbridge Fieldhouse, scoring 26 points and having three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. This marked the 34th time in her career, and fifth game this season where she’s mounted 20+ points in a contest. Atkins needs one more game to pass Nikki McCray (35) for fourth-most 20+ point games in franchise history. Additionally, the star guard (483) needs eight assists to surpass Emma Meeseman (490) to claim the third all-time spot in assists in franchise history.
Four players joined Ariel in double-figure scoring for the Mystics today. This is the sixth game this season the team has had 5+ double-digit scorers. Aaliyah Edwards scored 12 points coming off the bench, while Shatori Walker-Kimbrough claimed 10. Rookie Julie Vanloo and veteran Stefanie Dolson combined for 26 points. Dolson lead the team with six assists and had five rebounds. She is currently on an eight-game streak of scoring 10+ points in a game, tied for the third-longest streak of such games in her career and the longest streak since 2017. Vanloo added two rebounds and two assists to her stats, including three made three’s. She now ties Natasha Cloud (115) for third-most assists in a rookie season in franchise history, and also ties Li Meng for second-most made threes in a rookie season (44). Vanloo is on the brink of passing teammate Ariel Atkins for the franchise re4cord of made threes in a rookie season.
UP NEXT
The Mystics return to host the Las Vegas Aces on July 14 for Go Green Sustainability Day at 3 p.m. ET. This special game day will take place at ESA and will feature eco-friendly promotions and entertainment.
