WNBA
Mystics Seek to Enter Postseason on a Roll
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
The Washington Mystics conclude the regular season with a game at 1:30 today against the New York Liberty at Madison Square Garden before opening their first-round series against Connecticut in the Eastern Conference playoffs later this week.
The Mystics (18-15), who have clinched the fourth seed in the playoffs, are seeking a third consecutive victory before hosting the first game of their best-of-three series against the top-seeded and two-time defending conference champion Connecticut Sun (26-7) on Friday at Verizon Center.
Game 2, and if necessary Game 3, will be Aug. 20 and 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., where the Sun has won 14 of 17 games during the regular season.
"Right now, we're not looking at the playoffs because we are focusing on New York," said Mystics guard Alana Beard , who averages a team-high 18.9 points per game. "We don't want to go into the playoffs coming off a loss."
The Mystics are seeking a franchise-record 19th regular season victory and will finish the regular season with a winning record for just the second time in its nine-year history. New York (10-23) will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
Though Washington posted two victories over the Liberty at Verizon Center this year, the Mystics suffered a 72-66 loss at New York on June 21. In that game, Washington was without forward DeLisha Milton-Jones (14.5 points per game), who was out with a sprained left knee.
However, Washington Coach Richie Adubato said he does not expect to play his starters very long because he wants the Mystics to enter the postseason at full strength.
-- Jon Gallo
· COMETS 89, STORM 72: Tina Thompson had 31 points and seven rebounds to lead Houston past Seattle and into the playoffs.
Houston (18-16) clinched the third seed in the Western Conference. Seattle (18-16) is the fourth seed.
· MERCURY 95, SILVER STARS 93: Diana Taurasi scored 26 points to lead Phoenix over San Antonio (13-21), hours after being eliminated from the playoff race.
Phoenix (17-16) won a franchise-record sixth straight, but lost out on a playoff berth when Houston defeated Seattle.
· STING 84, SKY 57: Sheri Sam scored 18 points as Charlotte (11-23) handed expansion Chicago (4-29) its league-record 29th loss .
-- From News Services
