Mystics Survive Fever's Late Rally for Win
The Washington Mystics held on for a hard-fought 82-77 victory over the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night, despite a late surge from the visiting team. The Mystics, who entered the game on a three-game winning streak, were led by Elena Delle Donne's 22 points and Ariel Atkins's 18.
A Tightly Contested First Half
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging baskets and leads. The Mystics held a slight advantage at halftime, leading 42-37.
Mystics Dominate the Third Quarter
The third quarter saw the Mystics take control of the game. They outscored the Fever 24-15, extending their lead to 66-52. Delle Donne and Atkins were instrumental in the Mystics' dominance during this quarter, scoring 10 and 8 points respectively.
Fever Stage a Late Comeback
The Fever, however, refused to go down without a fight. They opened the fourth quarter with a 12-4 run, cutting the Mystics' lead to 70-64. Kelsey Mitchell led the charge for the Fever, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Mystics Hold On for the Win
Despite the Fever's late rally, the Mystics managed to hold on for the victory. They made enough free throws down the stretch to seal the win, and Atkins hit a clutch three-pointer with just over a minute remaining to put the game out of reach.
Key Takeaways
- Elena Delle Donne remains a dominant force for the Mystics. Her 22 points and 10 rebounds led both teams.
- Ariel Atkins had a strong performance, providing crucial scoring and leadership.
- The Mystics defense was solid for most of the game, but the Fever's late surge highlights the need for continued defensive focus throughout the game.
- Kelsey Mitchell was a bright spot for the Fever, leading the team with 21 points.
Next Up
The Mystics will look to extend their winning streak to four games as they face the Connecticut Sun on the road on Thursday night. The Fever, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from their loss when they host the Atlanta Dream on Friday night.
This game highlighted the Mystics' resilience and their ability to win tough games. With their next matchup against the reigning WNBA champions, they will need to maintain this momentum and stay focused on their defensive game plan.
