Preview Of Matchup

The Los Angeles Sparks get set to take on the Washington Mystics at the Entertainment & Sports arena in Washington, DC Tuesday night.

The Sparks are coming off a ground out 86-83 victory over the Liberty. Erica Wheeler led the way with 17 points. Brittney Sykes made two key defensive stops in the closing seconds to give the Sparks the win. Sparks looking to continue their hot streak as they ride a four-game win streak heading into Washington.

The Mystics are coming off an 85-78 loss to the Storm in their last outing. Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne made her long-awaited return to the court. She played in her first game since October of 2019. Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault said it was "Like Christmas". Having the superstar forward back was important for Thibault. Although she had 16 points in her return it wasn't enough to get the Mystics a win.

The Mystics have had their struggles throughout this season. However, they have a reason to be excited with Delle Donne healthy. With Tina Charles leading the league in scoring with 25.4 points per game along with nearly 10 rebounds. There's a lot to be excited about if you're a Mystics fan.

Although the Mystics ended up losing to the defending champions Seattle Storm. The Mystics got their two-time MVP back and look to end their four-game skid against the Sparks Tuesday night. 

Mystics Obliterate Sparks in the First Half

The Mystics started the game off red hot as they went up 14-0 to start the game. Which forced Sparks head coach Derek Fisher to call a timeout. The Sparks struggled to get things going offensively as they went 4-15 from the field shooting the ball at a 26.7% rate.

The Mystics shot 57.9% from the field in the first quarter. Mystics Shot 3-4 from deep and had a huge rebounding advantage as they went on a 10-0 run to end the first quarter. Delle Donne led the way for the Mystics with nine points. Mystics led 28-11 after the first quarter.

The Mystics continued to have their way offensively just scoring with ease. Nneke Ogwumike led the Sparks with just six points. They were outscored 28-12 in the second quarter. Had seven turnovers in the first half along with having just made eight field goals in 30 shot attempts.

Delle Donne had a sensational first half. Led the Mystics with 18 points just behind her Myisha Hines-Allen added 14 points. The Mystics had a commanding 33-point lead at halftime having their way offensively and defensively and shooting the ball efficiently.

Sparks Second Half Heroics Fall Short

The Sparks got going offensively in the third quarter outscoring the Mystics 21-15. However, it just wasn't enough to get them back into the game. The Sparks' sloppy first half was just too much to overcome. The Mystics' physical defense dictated the tone throughout three quarters.

The Sparks never led the game at any point and were down as much as 37. In the fourth quarter, the Sparks outscored the Mystics 24-7, but it still wasn't enough to overcome a lackluster first half. In which the Sparks scored just 23 points. The Mystics snap their four games losing streak by defeating the Sparks 78-68. The Sparks four-game win streak comes to an end.

Mystics had 4 players who ended in double digits. Myisha Hines-Allen led the way for the Mystics with 19. Elena Delle Donne added another 18 points. Nia Coffey led the way for the Sparks with 15.

Next Up

The Los Angeles Sparks will travel to Uncasville Connecticut to take on a tough matchup against the Connecticut Sun Thursday night August 26th. As for Washington Mystics, they'll take on the Dallas Wings at home Thursday night August 26th.