Aces vs. Mystics Preview: Defending Champs on a Roll, Road Win Unlikely for Mystics

On July 5th, the WNBA regular season will see the Aces host the Mystics.

The Aces currently hold an 11-6 record, ranking them 5th in the league. Following their convincing 88-69 victory over the Fever, they have secured a five-game winning streak. In that game, Wilson bounced back with 28 points, Plum scored 34, and Jackie Young contributed 15 points and 10 assists. Despite a modest team shooting percentage, their solid defense held the Fever to just 36.1% shooting, including limiting the opposing number one pick to 4 of 12, ensuring an easy win for the Aces.

This season, the Aces had a challenging start, at one point sitting at 6-6. However, Gray’s return changed the tide, and since then, the Aces have been on a 5-game winning streak without a loss. Gray’s playmaking has allowed Wilson, Plum, and others to thrive. Presently, Wilson averages 27 points and 11 rebounds, Young 18.7 points and 5.7 assists, Plum 18.3 points, and Gray 7.8 points and 4.2 assists.

The Mystics are currently 5-15, ranked 10th in the league. They narrowly defeated the Sparks 82-80 in their last game. Trailing by 14 points early in the fourth quarter, the Mystics rallied behind Vandersloot and Kimbrough’s consecutive three-pointers to complete a stunning comeback. This victory snapped a losing skid for the Mystics.

With significant roster turnover, the Mystics are in rebuild mode this season. Their offensive and defensive performances have been lackluster. Atkins, averaging 14.3 points, leads the team in scoring, while Austin, Sykes, and Dolson also contribute double-digit averages. The team averages 79.3 points per game, ranking 3rd from bottom in the league.

In this matchup between the Aces and the Mystics, there is a clear disparity in strength. The Aces, riding high on confidence and playing at home, hold a significant advantage. Furthermore, the uncertainty around Dolson’s availability adds to the Mystics’ challenges. With the defending champions’ core of Wilson, Young, Gray, and Plum, an upset seems unlikely as they aim for their sixth consecutive win.

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