WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Mystics prevailed 92–84 to close out their weekend double-header against the Dallas Wings on Sunday.
The Mystics tallied 26 assists in the contest, tying their longest streak for consecutive games with 20+ assists. Despite a hot start from Dallas, Washington kept their foot on the gas as they went on a 22-8 run in the third–pushing them to a lead position in the final stretch. Ultimately, the team displayed the growing harmony they’ve been working towards since the start of the season.
“We don’t have the Arike’s [Ogunbowale] who make contested shots over two people. We’ve just been moving the ball really really well and our chemistry has been building.” – Stef Dolson
The bench provided an essential spur for the Mystics, totaling 29 points in the matchup and currently leading the league in bench points, averaging 20.0 points per game. Breakout forward Emily Engstler continued her hot streak coming off Saturday’s astounding performance to lead the bench in scoring with 13 points, 4 rebounds. Engstler went 5 of 7 from the field and a perfect 3 of 3 from behind the arc.
“The past three weeks of practices is really where my confidence has gotten better,” said Emily Engstler.
Karlie Samuelson joined her in double-figure scoring, contributing 13 points and 4 rebounds to the contest, marking her fourth consecutive 10+ point scoring performance. Ariel Atkins finished with 12 points and 7 assists, tying her career high of assists in a single game (7) and in a quarter (4). On the brink of history again, Atkins is three field goals shy of passing Monique Currie (893) to take the sixth spot in all-time Mystics history in field goals made.
Player of the Game Stef Dolson broke her 2017 single-season record (31) of three-point shots made with 35. Dolson led the Mystics in scoring yesterday with 18 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 80% from deep.
“She showed some real leadership these last couple weeks, digging in and doing what it takes [to make shots against physical players]” – Coach Thibault on Stef Dolson’s impact.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Washington Mystics host the Connecticut Sun for the first time at Entertainment & Sports Arena this season. The mid-week showdown is scheduled to commence Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.