The Mystics last game started both Austin and Iriafen to match with Chicago’s size, and ended up winning that game by 7. Should happen again as they move Dolson to the bench.
The strength of this lineup is easily their movement, which allows them to do a lot of trapping off screens and rotate around easily. Against Chicago last game, they trapped Atkins off screens almost every single time, as both Iriafen and Austin are capable.
However, the drawback is liking against these big bodies inside, especially those who are able to cut or sit in dunker’s spot. Atkins notched 7 assists last game off of 11 potentials. Rhyne Howard in games with double digit potentials has notched:
– 9, 4, 6, 5, 7, 10 and 6 assists
Despite this pressure off screens, WSH still allows a ton of 3PA from ATB. All 5 of the players to average >5 3PA on the year notched 6+ vs WSH this month. Keep in mind that they held Atkins to just 1 3PA, which may be a similar focus on Rhyne.
Think Brionna is the best of these bigs at effectively cutting and finding space, while BG prefers to just look for a Post Up or pop for a 3ball. Griner was also downgraded to Q, which would be a benefit.
— DAL v CON —
The Wings’ only win of the season came against Connecticut, by 20. This game on the back of Paige’s 7 assists, which came on the back of 16 potentials.
Connecticut, in all there struggles, are allowing the most Fastbreak Pts and rank B3 in OPP PITP along with OPP APG. This is also going to be their 4th game in 6 days, as this schedule continues to be brutal. Tina Charles was practically rested in the 2H vs PHX last game, being the 2nd leg of a b2b (which Charles never suited up for last season), so likely the most energized piece for CON today.
Mabrey has now notched double-digit potentials in 5 straight games. We’ve had some solid quotes from her on handling duties as the Sun continue to drop games: “I think it starts with me being more assertive at the one, like making sure that I poise the team and calm us down and make sure that we get the ball where we want it to go and get it from side to side, so that’s on me for sure.”
Without McCowan and Siegrist, Wings starting 5 have produced just 5 OREB per game, which has helped smaller guards in being effective on the glass. Gray, Loyd, Jackie and Burton all notched 3+ in the 2 games without them.
— SEA v LVA —
A’ja Wilson has missed three days due to her concussion protocol, so likely back today. Much needed, as The Aces have been beaten to a pulp by Seattle before, and have dropped two straight as they now enter a 4 game home stretch – need to pick up as many wins as possible.
While both Jackie and Chelsea have notched double digit potentials in the last 5 games, subsequently including the 3 games without A’ja, Jackie has only mustered up 5 potentials per game against Seattle with Gabby Williams defending her.
Gabby Williams has been the best Seattle player this season, shooting 50-43-85 splits while leading the team in minutes, passing production and taking on POA defensive duties. Is Q today with an ankle injury vs LA, but expecting her to suit up.
She led SEA in offensive production last meeting vs LVA off 18 FGA, as The Aces remain an incredibly porous interior defense.