Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
When the Mystics led this game by 30 points, you knew that Atlanta was all but done in early. While the Mystics have slipped in a few games this season, they certainly let the Dream know, that when they want to score, they will do it in bunches and leave you trying to find a solution to Elena Delle Donne.
Delle Donne, who clearly is fully healthy this season had another dominating performance. She led way with 25 points along with seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, shooting 10-17 from the field, and 5-5 from the free-throw line. This was her third game this season scoring 25+ on 55% or better from the field, tied for the most such games in the WNBA.
The Mystics outscored the Dream, 35-13 in the period. This was all the needed for the remainder of the game.
Ariel Atkins has finally found her groove and tallied 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block on 6-10 shooting from the field and 3-4 from three. Over her last two games she is averaging 21.5 ppg on 57.7% (15-26) from the field and 81.1% (9-11) from three.
“We had a well-rounded team effort tonight,” said Mystics Head Coach Eric Thibault. “After that tough loss on Sunday, I knew these ladies would bounce back. If anyone knows Elena, she doesn’t like to lose two games in a row. We just want to have a strong run going into the All-Star break in a couple of weeks and stay right in the mix for the playoffs with the same effort we showed tonight.”
The Mystics are playing the Dream again on Friday in Atlanta. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.