Mystics vs. Fever Preview: Fever Have Nothing to Play For, Mystics Go All Out for Playoff Spot

At 7 AM on September 20th, the regular season of the WNBA will conclude with the Washington Mystics hosting the Indiana Fever.

Before this game, the Fever have already secured the sixth ranking and are likely to face the Sun in the first round of the playoffs. The outcome of this game is no longer significant for them. The Mystics are ranked ninth, one game behind the eighth-ranked Dream, and still have a chance to enter the playoffs. However, they no longer control their own fate. They must win this game while also hoping that the Dream lose to the Liberty to have any chance of making a comeback.

The Mystics’ offensive and defensive statistics for the season are average, averaging 79 points per game, which ranks fourth from the bottom in the league, and conceding an average of 82.1 points per game, ranking seventh. Of course, the Mystics’ data is somewhat deceptive. At the beginning of the season, the Mystics suffered a 12-game losing streak, but towards the end of the regular season, their performance has noticeably improved, winning seven out of their last eleven games, showing good form.

The Mystics do not have any big-name players, and their strength is very balanced. Their top scorer, Atkins, averages only 14.9 points per game. Seymour and Austin also score in double digits. In addition, Dolson, Samuelson, Edwards, Vanloo, Kimbro, Cornet, Ernstler, and Melbourne all average more than five points per game. The Mystics are one of the most accurate teams from beyond the arc in the league, and once they find their rhythm, it is often difficult for opponents to contain them. For this game, Austin and Edwards are unable to play due to injuries.

Under the leadership of No. 1 draft pick Clark, the Fever have become the fastest-improving team this season, securing a playoff spot early and locking down the sixth position. The Fever’s offense is fierce, averaging 84.8 points per game, ranking third in the league, just behind the Liberty and Aces, two major powerhouses. However, the Fever’s defense is quite poor, conceding an average of 87.5 points per game, ranking second-to-last in the league, making them a typical high-offense, low-defense team.

Mitchell is the team’s top scorer, averaging 19.6 points per game, especially hot after the Olympics. Clark averages 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, breaking multiple WNBA season records. Boston and Smith also score in double digits, and the Fever’s offense mainly relies on these four players, with bench players being generally weaker.

This season, the two teams have met three times, with the Fever holding a 2-1 advantage, although all three games were decided by eight points or less. Meeting again, the Fever have nothing to play for and may rest some starters to prepare for the playoffs, while the Mystics need a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, making their desire to win much stronger.

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