Mystics Overwhelmed by Liberty, Playoffs Hopes Hinge on Improvements
Suffocating Defense Stifles Mystics
The Washington Mystics were outmatched by the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, losing 80-58 in a game that exposed the Mystics' defensive shortcomings. The Liberty shot 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while the Mystics struggled to find their rhythm on offense.
Offensive Struggles
The Mystics offense has struggled all season, and their performance against the Liberty was no exception. They shot just 38% from the field and 25% from three-point range, and they turned the ball over 16 times.
Elena Delle Donne, the Mystics' leading scorer, was held to just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting. Ariel Atkins and Natasha Cloud also struggled, combining for just 17 points on 6-of-23 shooting.
Playoff Hopes Dwindling
The loss to the Liberty dropped the Mystics to 11-15 on the season, and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. They are currently in ninth place in the WNBA standings, and they need to make up a significant amount of ground in the remaining games of the season to qualify for the postseason.
Need for Improvement
The Mystics need to make significant improvements in several areas if they want to make the playoffs. They need to improve their defense, they need to find more consistent scoring options, and they need to reduce their turnovers.
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