Mystics vs. Wings Notes & Quotes
Thu, May 19, 2016, 4:14 AM
MYSTICS NOTEWORTHY
– The Mystics dropped their second consecutive game to start out the regular season, losing to the Dallas Wings 87-77 at Verizon Center. The Mystics conclude their three-game homestead against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday before hitting the road Saturday
– Mystics guard Tayler Hill led the team with a back-to-back career performance. Hill tied her career high of 20 points in her second consecutive game, shooting 4-for-11 from the field, 1-for-5 from three-point range, and a career high 11-for-15 from the free throw line
– Mystics forward Emma Meesseman who was held to only six points in last Saturday’s contest, scored 19 points, shooting 9-for-13 from the field and connecting on one from the free throw line. Meesseman also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out three assists
– Mystics center Kia Vaughn rejoined the starting lineup, adding 12 points, shooting 6-for-13 from the field
– The Mystics outshot the Wings .433 to .400 from the field but trailed .167 (2-for-12) to .267 (8-for-30) from three-point range and .708 to .950 from the free throw line
– The game featured two ties with the Mystics never gaining the lead. The Wings led the game by as much as 13 in the third quarter
– The Mystics came within three points with 3:44 left in the fourth quarter after two made free throws by Tayler Hill. Wings guard Erin Phillips responded shortly after with a three-pointer and regained the lead
– Four Wings players scored in double figures led by guard Odyssey Sims who led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 6-for-13 from the field and 10-for-11 from the free throw line. Guard Erin Phillips added 16 points, including 5-of-8 shooting from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range, and 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Forward Karima Christmas posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while guard Aerial Powers added 10 points from off the bench
MYSTICS HEAD COACH MIKE THIBAULT
On the loose balls and rebounds:
“Playing all the way through plays with the loose balls and rebounds bounced on the floor, we looked at each other; we thought another teammate might have gotten it. It is not good enough. Talk is one thing and doing is another. It is trying to find five people together to play both ends of the court. We are searching.”
On turnovers in first half:
“We surprised people with passes. I saw a wide variety (of turnovers) tonight.”
On youth:
“We are playing with really young players, for some parts of the game tonight you could see that. We have disadvantages with mental recognition, but some advantages with young legs.”
On consistent play of Taylor Hill:
“Confidence and doing work, players feel that way when they have put in the work to be good. She put in the time during the off-season to be the better player. And it shows.”
On quick turnaround:
“We do not have time to dwell on the past because the next one is right in front of you. Not only is it right in front of us but also it is back to back. We just have to try and be better next time. I am frustrated with some of the mental breakdowns that have occurred that I think are correctable. I have faith we will figure this out.”
MYSTICS GUARD BRIA HARTLEY
On playing down the stretch:
“I think the story of the whole game was rebounding. We get a stop or make the other team make a tough shot but then we don’t finish the possession out with a rebound. That lets them get a second chance and then they hit shots when they get those chances.”
On lack of possession of loose balls and rebounds:
“I think it’s mainly because of effort. I think sometimes we relax for a second or we react late. If we go hard all the way, I know we can get those or at least put up a better fight for those loose balls and rebounds.”
On preparation for the next game:
“We’re just going to go back on the court and work on what we need to work on. We are going to go hard in practice and get everyone focused and ready for the next game.”
MYSTICS GUARD TAYLER HILL:
On finishing with 20 points:
“I think I was attacking the bucket more. My teammates were setting really good screens for me to get there but we didn’t win so it doesn’t matter how I finished individually.”
On looking forward to the Sparks:
“We just need to come out with more effort. We need to follow the game plan and follow coach’s scouting report.”
MYSTICS FORWARD EMMA MEESSEMAN
On offensive performance in the second half:
“We were just moving the ball more inside which was one thing that allowed me to score. I got those opportunities because of my teammates. I think for the next game we need to find the right mix of outside and inside play for the whole 40 minutes not just the second half.”
On what to improve on:
“I think most of the plays were our faults. We were letting them have second chance points because we didn’t rebound or fight for loose balls. They had more opportunities to shoot the ball and play their plays because we didn’t fight for the ball. It’s up to us to find how we are going to fight and how we are going to bring out energy up.”
On playing with a younger team:
“We have a lot of talent on this team and most of us have a few years in the league. I think it’s not about experience but it’s about having the energy and hustle to win.”
Mystics at a glance
Points: Tayler Hill – 20
Rebounds: Natasha Cloud, Emma Meesseman – 7
Assists: Bria Hartley – 5
Steals: Hartley, Tianna Hawkins – 1
Points: Tayler Hill – 20
Rebounds: Natasha Cloud, Emma Meesseman – 7
Assists: Bria Hartley – 5
Steals: Hartley, Tianna Hawkins – 1
Steals: Kahleah Copper – 2
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