The Washington Mystics proved Thursday night that they are built to be a strong starting team, despite squandering big leads.
A 34 point first quarter set a team record. They led throughout the contest, including a 45-27 margin at halftime. They allowed the New York Liberty (6-11) to cut the lead to 2 points in the 4th quarter. Yet key rebounding and smooth ball control in the final minute enabled Washinton (10-8) to escape with a 78-75 victory.
All-star guard Alana Beard scoreds 28 points, adding to a season that has her at least within reach of a possible league MVP award.
"It feels really good just to win and to win how we did tonight, with everyone pitching in and everyone having a good game," says Beard. "It was huge for us; we're now in second place."
Beard and teammate Monique Currie could be heard discussing the near letdown of a performance as they walked toward the locker room. While sounding disappointed. Beard shared with media members that the game demonstrated more of a New York effort than a Washington collapse.
"This is the WNBA; there is a lot of parity in this league," adds Beard. "We couldn't expect them to stay down. I thought we had a great overall team win. Lindsey (Harding) did a great job with running the offense and then Monique Currie did an unbelievable job attacking the basket. I think everyone pulled together and had a great win."
Currie was the other starter in double figures, with 11 points. Nakia Sanford however came off the bench to score 16.
Liberty Dejected
It's not as though New York has been knocked out of playoff contention. True, they've only won 6 of their first 17 games, yet they have exhibited prowess in most of their losses. They outscored Washington 22-12 in the fourth quarter, yet it wasn;t enough to alleviate the anguish of falling behind 34-12 at the end of the first.
"There was no execution in the first quarter at all," says a disgusted Shameka Christon. "We played three great quarters but basketball is a game of four quarters. It's not enough to be frustrated, we have to do something about it."
Doing something about it now though will be even tougher, since 7 of New York's 8 games are on the road, including the next 5. They begin the swing with the Atlanta Dream, a squad they've never lost to.
"Every game is important," says Christon. "We have to go out there and compete."
Liberty center Janel McCarville led New York's scoring with 28 points, while Christon chipped in 17.
Washington Winning
The Mystics now have as many wins this season as they did last, and they get to play 5 of their next 6 at home. Come Sunday they will tip off against the particularly challenging Indiana Fever.
Indiana defeated Connecticut Thursday, giving Washington sole possession of second place.
