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#4 Seattle Storm vs #5 Washington Mystics
The Storm’s season became about Sue Bird’s last ride before it started. Many believe it’s why Breanna Stewart re-signed with Seattle. The Storm had the same problems as last year until around the All-Star break. Their lack of depth and three-point shooting hurt them at times and made games against lesser teams tougher than they needed to be.
Their defense and ball movement was and has been their calling card for years. They were second in assists with 22.6 per game, just behind Chicago. They finished third in steals, blocks, and defensive rating. The three-point shooting improved, and they finished the season with the best percentage in the league.
The Tina Charles acquisition really changed everything for Seattle. It gave them another player who can create their own shot, draw a double team, and in turn, create open shots for shooters. Charles shoots 34% from three, which brings versatility to the floor in which the Storm can play up to four players who can shoot it well.
Jewell Loyd finished the season tenth in scoring with 16.3 points and sixth in three-pointers made per game with 2.3. What makes this team run and a championship contender is MVP candidate Breanna Stewart. She led the league in scoring with 21.8 and ranked in the top-ten in rebounds, three-pointers made, and shot 38 percent, which was in the top 15.
The Mystics find themselves back in the playoffs after winning the draft lottery and trading back to number three. They selected Shakira Austin to play alongside Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, and Alysha Clark. She fit in seamlessly, especially on the defensive end.
Delle Donne’s return meant championship expectations for Washington, and despite her missing some games, they proved to be in that upper echelon. They are middle of the pack in almost every offensive category, but their defense kept them in many games when the offense sputtered.
They finished first in defensive rating, and they allowed both the fewest second chance points and points in the paint. They allow the fewest points per game at 75.9. Delle Donne played 25 out of 36 games, which is a huge win considering she played a total of three the last two seasons. She averaged 17 points per game, which would’ve put her at ninth in the league if she qualified. Only Nneka Ogwumike and A’ja Wilson average at least 17 points and shoot a better field goal percentage. Cloud led the league in assists with seven, taking the crown from Vandersloot, who did it the last five seasons. Six players averaged eight points or more.
Matchup:
This is the most interesting and best series of the first round. Both teams are championship caliber, and it’s unfortunate that one won’t make the semifinals. Both teams have championship experience, and injuries have nearly caused them to miss their championship window.
This could be Seattle’s last shot, with Stewart being a free agent and Sue Bird retiring. While the same may not be able to be said for the Mystics, their window is heavily dependent on Delle Donne and her health. They met three times this season, with Seattle winning the first two and Washington the last game.
The Storm won the first matchup 85-71, thanks to 22 from Loyd, 20 from Ezi Magbegor, and 19 from Stewie. The second matchup was closer, 82-77, where clutch free throws from Stewie sealed the game. The next night Washington won 78-75, Ariel Atkins scored 23 points, Delle Donne 17, and Cloud had a double-double.
Tariq: I’ve been on the Mystics train all season, and I’m going to stay on it. The matchup of Stewie vs Delle Donne, is such a fun one. But I think it comes down to Cloud, Atkins, and Shakira Austin against Sue, Jewell, and Tina. Whichever of those three can gain the advantage, I think, leads to the winner of this series. Also, the new format could come into play and help the Mystics. The first two games are in Seattle, so if Washington wins one, game three is in Washington.
Mystics in three
Bryce: The Mystics have been a tough team for everyone in the league this year. They swept the Aces in the regular season and have beaten the teams ahead of them at least once. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them get a game in this series. But I think the Storm will end up being too much for the Mystics to handle. The Mystics don’t have an answer for both Breanna Stewart and Tina Charles, plus Jewell Loyd has looked better as of late.
Storm in three
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
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