Lynx’s defeat against strong Mystics team results in No. 7 rank drop in WNBA standings

The Washington Mystics had an important pregame report before their Tuesday night game with the Lynx at the Sports and Entertainment Arena in Washington, D.C.

No injuries to report.

This is significant because a healthy Mystics team is a force to be reckoned with as the WNBA playoffs near.

They showcased their strength in a 83-72 victory over the Lynx, demonstrating depth on both offense and defense.

The Mystics (17-18) displayed their depth on both ends of the floor with four players scoring in double figures and shutting down Minnesota during a crucial stretch.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the challenges of facing a healthy Mystics team. “They are obviously healthy at the right time.”

After a strong 10-point run, the Lynx never got closer than eight points again, with Shakira Austin, Ariel Atkins, and Elena Delle Donne all contributing to the Mystics’ performance.

Austin, Atkins, and Delle Donne, who missed double-digit games due to injuries, combined for 30 points in the game.

The Mystics leapfrogged the Lynx in the WNBA standings, securing their second consecutive victory after defeating the league-leading Las Vegas.

Minnesota’s loss dropped them from fifth to seventh in the seeding, setting the stage for an important upcoming game against Atlanta.

Rookie Diamond Miller emerged as a standout player, matching her career-high with 25 points in a sort of homecoming at the University of Maryland.

Lynx were playing without starting post Jessica Shepard, who was out because of an injured left ankle.

Reeve expressed concerns about the Lynx’s defensive performance after allowing the Mystics to get comfortable in their offensive game.

The game saw momentum swings, but strong defense from the Mystics limited the Lynx’s opportunities to regain control.

The Mystics made 12 of 25 three-point attempts and had a 13-7 edge on made free throws, highlighting their offensive prowess.

The victory showcased the power of a healthy and talented Mystics team, as acknowledged by the Lynx’s player Napheesa Collier.

The Lynx now have a couple of days to prepare for their game with Atlanta, aiming to learn from their tough night in Washington and grow from the experience.

In conclusion, it’s clear that a healthy Mystics team poses a formidable challenge to their opponents, and they proved this with a strong victory over the Lynx.

The Star Tribune did not send the writer of this article to the game. This was written using a broadcast, interviews, and other material.