Mystics vs. Fever Notes & Quotes

Fri, May 6, 2016, 7:01 PM

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Final Score: Mystics 69 – Fever 89

MYSTICS NOTEWORTHY
–          In the Mystics preseason opener, the squad was defeated 89-69 by the Indiana Fever. The Mystics continue their preseason on the road on Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx
–          Two Mystics players scored in double figures led by first round (7th overall) pick of the 2016 WNBA Draft, Kahleah Copper. The rookie from Rutgers scored 13 points, shooting 3-for-5 from the field and 7-for-9 from the free throw line. She also pulled down six rebounds
–          Rookie forward Zoi Dimitrakou added  10 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the free throw line
–          The game featured three lead changes and one tie with the Mystics largest lead at three and the Fever at 21
–          The Fever outrebounded the Mystics 42-38 and outscored the Mystics in all four quarters
–          Four Fever players scored in double figures led by veteran guard Tamika Catchings who led all scorers with 16 points. She shot 5-for-6 from both the field and the free throw line and added one from behind the arc
–          Fever forwards Lynetta Kizer and guards Maggie Lucas and Brene Moseley added 12 points apiece in the Fever victory
 
MYSTICS HEAD COACH MIKE THIBAULT
On the first preseason game and it not being the result they were looking for:
“Most preseason games I do not worry about the score. I worry about minutes for people I need to look at, which we got a good look at today. I look at whether we have gotten better on the things we emphasized in training camp, and try some combinations but without 4, 5 of your key players, you are just trying to look at people.”
 
On what he saw from his team’s play today:
“One of the first goals was to be a good rebounding team, and in the first half we were good and in the second half we were not. I guess it is one of those 50/50 ones. When our starters played a fair amount we did a good job on the defensive boards. We held them to two in the first half and in the second half, they had 10 or 11. The most disappointing part of the game is, we have worked on talking about their pressure, and we had 24 turnovers. That is the worst of the takeaway from me tonight.”
 
On Kahleah Copper:
“I thought she was good. I did not play her as much in the second half because I wanted to look at some of the other ones. I know she is going to be on the team. Wanted to get her enough minutes to get a feel for it. Thought she was very good in the first half, had good poise which is one of the things I was looking for, so from that standpoint it was very pleasing.”
 
MYSTICS GUARD/FORWARD KAHLEAH COPPER
On her first game:
“I was excited to be out there and just be able to contribute in any kind of way.”
 
On her ability to get to the line:
“Yeah I just wanted to be able to attack and get to the basket until they stopped it. If they stopped it, then get to the mid-range game and then play from there.”
 
On the difference between the game and training camp:
“I think the guys did a great job being physical with us, and I think that Indiana was very physical and they are a great team.”
 
MYSTICS FORWARD ZOI DIMITRAKOU
On her first game:
“You know, WNBA is a little bit different than Europe, so I’m trying to adjust. It’s like my second day here. It’s faster, but I’m trying to adjust.”
 
On the kinks she wants to work out before the regular season starts:
“Just get well with the team and learn exactly what coach [Thibault] wants from me, and just help the team with everything I can.”
 
On the Fever causing turnovers:
“They are a really good defensive team and that’s why we had so many turnovers, 24 turnovers. I think they used them well in their offense. I feel if we did not have so many turnovers, the score would be different. But we are still learning.”
 
Mystics at a glance
Points: Kahleah Copper – 13
Rebounds: Copper, Stefanie Dolson, Chelsey Lee, Kia Vaughn – 6
Assists: Natasha Cloud, Vaughn – 3
Steals: Zoi Dimitrakou – 2

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