Worst things first for those that like L.A. They did not lead once in this game, and fell behind by 24 points midway through the second quarter. They were able to chew off some of that deficit by halftime, when the score was 38-24.
They gradually chipped away more in the third and fourth quarters, and tied it at 63 with just over 3 minutes to go in the game. Then came a timeout, and both teams talked in-depth about how to finish.
Washington's gameplan succeeded with flying colors. They ended the contest on a 12-0 run, winning 75-63.
Mystic guard Alana Beard, hopeful for yet another all-star game trip in two weeks, scored the first 13 points of the night. It ended up being half her total of 26, and she also contributed 5 rebounds and 4 steals.
"They went on their run...we had to focus, we had to get stops," says Beard. "We were taking a lot of outside shots, which gave them a lot of layups, because we were missing during that time. Basically in that huddle (when it was tied), it was all about defense for this team."
Beard also weighed in on the bunched scoring that saw huge leads disappear yet comeback.
"You don't expect teams to stay down," she adds. "Teams are going to go on their runs. They have like three olympians on that team, so you expect for them to come back. Fortunately we did a good job of maintaining when they went on that run.
Washington center Chasity Melvin was the game's second highest scorer with 14. Forward Nakia Sanford grabbed the most boards, 8.
Sparks Disgusted
L.A. almost climbed the mountain, but seemed to run out of gas in the final minutes.
"This isn't about climbing the mountain," claims an enraged Spark Head Coach Michael Cooper. "This is about coming out flat on any team. We came out not ready to play basketball. I don't know why. I'm not pleased with anything with this game."
Points were more evenly spread across the Sparks' roster. Guards Shannon Bobbitt and Betty Lennox both swooshed 10, while Delisha Milton-Jones, Tina Thompson, Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton and Noelle Quinn all scored 8 apiece.
For the second straight night, the Sparks showed resilience in the second half. Two nights earlier they trailed New York by 11 in the opening period, yet came back to win by 9.
L.A.'s seven game road trip though doesn't get any easier, with the always challenging Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm straight ahead.
Mystics Homestand
Washington, like L.A. has played far more games on the road this year, yet conversely, they now delve into a six-game homestand. They face the San Antonio Silver Stars next, whom they already defeated in Texas.
"Coming home, playing in front of your fans, you just get that extra energy, that motivation that the fans give you," Beard says.
With the win, the Mystics are back in winning territory at 6-5. L.A. stands at 4-7.
