Dallas’ struggle in 3-game losing streak: inability to close

Arlington, TX — There is nothing more frustrating than making a big play like grabbing an offensive rebound or getting a steal and then losing the ball. A good life comparison would be dropping your ice cream cone on a hot summer day. Dallas dropped its ice cream cone tonight — and then dropped it again.

While they had many players in double figures and won the rebounding battle, they weren’t able to capitalize on key moments to flesh out a third home victory.

Statistically speaking, the Wings looked great on paper. In fact, they matched the Mystics in many categories. Both stars Skylar Diggins-Smith and Elena Delle Donne finished with 23 points, both teams had five players in double figures, and both teams took about the same amount of shots (Dallas 77, Washington 75).

Although, the victor in tonight’s game didn’t depend on the stats. It wasn’t based on Skylar or Elena’s sole performances, and it wasn’t based on who could make the most fast-break points. It came down to who could build momentum and who could finish the play.

There were several, multiple, numerous, times where the Wings created a deflection but couldn’t capitalize on the steal or they had their hands on an offensive board and then got it tipped into the Mystics hands.

Frustration grew on many Dallas faces towards the end of the game as their good intentions and whole-hearted effort kept coming up short. Players like Glory Johnson, who finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds, and Theresa Plaisance, who finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds, felt that lack of momentum for the blue and green.

On the other hand, it was a magical night for the Mystics who had several players contribute to the 12-point victory. Elena Delle Donne wheeled in 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks to round out the top performance of the week. In the previous game for the Mystics, Delle Donne scored 23 as well and pulled down 15 boards to give Washington a close win over the Atlanta Dream. Tonight was no different.

“Very glad to come here and get that road win. It definitely wasn’t pretty, a lot of stoppage of play. But to be able to play through it and get the win is really all that matters,” Delle Donne said.

Not to mention big time contributions from Washington guards Kristi Toliver and Tayler Hill who both dropped in 17 points tonight were key for the Mystics to stay afloat through the rather physical game.

“They made some big shots. They were aggressive defensively, getting in our space,” head coach Fred Williams said on how great the Mystics played. “They kind of clogged up the driving lanes for us tonight.”

Both the Mystics and the Wings have homestands ahead of them, as Washington faces Minnesota at home and the Wings will host the Sparks. Both matchups are scheduled for Friday, June 9.