Not long ago, the Washington Mystics were riding an eight-game winning streak at the end of the regular season, looking like the hottest team in basketball.
They’ve cooled down since then, and it doesn’t help that their star scorer, Elena Delle Donne, missed Game 3 of the WNBA Semifinals last Friday with a bone bruise in her knee.
Now with their backs against the wall, the Mystics take the court for what could be the final time in 2018. Here’s everything you need to know.
Opponent: Atlanta Dream (Dream lead series 2-1)
Where: Charles E. Smith Center at George Washington University, Washington
When: Sunday, Sept. 2, 3 p.m.
Television: ESPN2
What to watch for: Delle Donne enters Sunday again listed as questionable. Washington’s leading scorer is not walking with a visible limp and could try to play Sunday with her team in win-or-go-home mode … Tianna Hawkins started in Delle Donne’s place at power forward in Game 3, but it was depth forward Aerial Powers who thrived in the position off the bench instead. Normally a three, Powers stepped into the four for the first time all year and, despite a below-average shooting night, led the Mystics with 18 points.
Pre-game reading:
Mystics miss injured Delle Donne in Game 3 loss to Dream, by Adam Zielonka
LaToya Sanders, Mystics center, takes pride in defensive production, by Adam Zielonka
Mystics dominate Sparks to punch ticket to WNBA semis, by Adam Zielonka
• Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.
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