The Washington Mystics and Las Vegas Aces meet Thursday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena, with the Aces entering the matchup 23-11 and the Mystics 19-13. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT and will air on Prime.
The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Washington defeated Las Vegas 100-99 on July 22, but the Aces responded with an 86-76 victory over the Mystics on Aug. 11. Thursday’s game is the final regular-season meeting between the teams.
Washington enters the game having lost its most recent contest, while Las Vegas has won its last game. The Aces are 23-11 overall, 10-5 at home and have won three straight at home.
Mystics Relying on Rebounding and Defense
Washington continues to lead the WNBA in rebounding at 37.7 per game. The Mystics are also ranked second in the league in defensive rating at 103.2.
The Mystics have recorded at least 40 points in the paint in nine consecutive games, the third-longest such streak in WNBA history. Washington averages 42.0 points in the paint per game while allowing just 34.3, the second-best mark in the league.
Since the All-Star break, Washington is 5-1 and has allowed 81.0 points per game while holding opponents to 41.7% shooting from the field.
Shakira Austin leads Washington at 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She has recorded at least 15 points and five rebounds in 12 consecutive games, tying the longest qualifying single-season streak in franchise history.
Kiki Iriafen is averaging 15.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. She recorded her 30th career double-double on Aug. 11 with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Sonia Citron is averaging 17.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. She had 19 points and seven rebounds in Washington’s Aug. 11 matchup against Las Vegas.
Aces Bring High-Powered Offense
Las Vegas averages 90.9 points per game, compared with Washington’s 81.8. The Aces also lead the league in field-goal percentage at 48.7% and assists at 22.2 per game.
A’ja Wilson leads the Aces with 26.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. She has scored at least 16 points in every outing this season, has scored at least 20 points 25 times and has recorded 17 double-doubles.
Jackie Young is averaging 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. She has scored in double figures in all but four games and has recorded at least 20 points in 16 games this season.
Chelsea Gray is averaging 12.5 points and 7.1 assists per game. She has scored in double figures 23 times this season and has recorded three points-assists double-doubles.
The Aces have also scored at least 100 points 10 times this season.
What to Watch
The matchup presents a contrast between Washington’s league-leading rebounding and defensive strength and Las Vegas’ offensive efficiency. The Mystics rank first in rebound percentage at 53.6%, while the Aces rank first in field-goal percentage and assists.
Washington will look to respond after the Aces’ 86-76 victory on Aug. 11, while Las Vegas enters Thursday’s game looking to win the season series after splitting the first two meetings.
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