WNBA Washington Mystics

Mystics Update

Published on September 12, 2011 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Washington Mystics News Release


Mystics Recap:

The Washington Mystics looked to gain two more wins for the last lap of the season. However, in their match-up against the Indiana Fever last Wednesday, the team lost 87-69 to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Mystics had 18 turnovers and were unable to break away with the lead even though they had more points in the paint (38-34 than the Fever. By shooting nearly 50% from the field, the Fever was able to keep their No. 1 ranking. Guard Katie Douglas led all scorers with 21 points with forward Tamika Catchings adding a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Crystal Langhorne had 18 points and 15 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. The biggest lead of the night for the Mystics was after the half, 37-36, but Indiana quickly went on a quick nine-point lead and secured the win.

In their final match-up of the season, the Mystics traveled to San Antonio to take on the Silver Stars on September 10. The Mystics lost 82-74 as the Silver Stars finalized the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. As in their previous match-up, the Mystics were affected by turnovers recording 15 compared to the Silver Stars' nine. Mystics guard Matee Ajavon scored 15 points and had five assists along with two steals. Recently activated forward Monique Currie continued to get back to form, putting up 14 points in her first start and only fourth game played this season. In the second half the Silver Stars outrebounded the Mystics 19-12. In the first quarter the Mystics came out strong with a 12-point lead but soon lost the lead after the half. The Mystics ended their season 6-28.

Open Mic:

WASHINGTON MYSTICS HEAD COACH TRUDI LACEY

On being proud of her team after a tough season:

"Yeah, we have played with a lot of heart, determination and resiliency for the entire season. We're young as our team hadn't been together for very long at all. I think in tight games, experience truly helps as it shows when you don't have it."

On her overall thoughts of the season:

"Well, obviously it was a disappointing season as I feel we have some things to build on. We went young as I think Jasmine [Thomas] did a really good job in terms of improving and growing throughout the season. We played most of the season with nine players and about two starters so that made it a little tough. But again, not making any excuses, I think our team played with a lot of heart and determination for the entire season."

WASHINGTON MYSTICS FORWARD MONIQUE CURRIE

On what they can take from this season:

"I feel we are all disappointed by the way the season turned out as we know that there are things we can all work on individually and bring back to the team next year. Hopefully everybody will get better during the off-season and be ready come the next season."

WASHINGTON MYSTICS GUARD JASMINE THOMAS

On the highs and lows from her team's season:

"I feel we definitely grew together as a team as our chemistry was a little bit better. I think we all know there are a lot of things we have to improve on for next year. With the off-season and most of us going overseas, we're all going to be working on our own individual game."

Currie Makes Season Debut:

Mystics forward Monique Currie returned to the lineup following her successful anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) recovery, making her season debut against the Atlanta Dream on September 1. Currie suffered the injury while playing in Turkey. In her debut, Currie played just over nine minutes and scored eight points, shooting 2-for-4 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Currie also tallied three rebounds and collected one steal in the Mystics 85-81 victory. In just her second game of the season against the Connecticut Sun on September 4, Currie led the team with 13 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line. Currie also grabbed six rebounds and collected three steals in 18 minutes. In her fourth and final game of the season, Currie rejoined the Mystics starting lineup for the first time this season. Currie played 25 minutes and scored 14 points in the Mystics loss to the San Antonio Silver Stars on September 10. Currie shot 4-for-9 from the field, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. In her four games this season with the team, Currie shot perfect from the free throw line, shooting 16-for-16. Her career free throw shooting range is .825.

Rookie Rankings:

New to the Mystics starting lineup for the last six games of the season, rookie point guard Jasmine Thomas finished sixth amongst all rookies in minutes per game (19.3), seventh in points per game (6.4), and fourth in assists per game (1.88).

Most Improved:

New to the starting lineup due to injuries to forward Monique Currie and guard Alana Beard, Matee Ajavon stepped up to the plate in their absence. No longer in the shadow, but in the forefront, the Jersey native put up impressive numbers this season. Making her presence felt, Ajavon ranked second on the team and 11th in the league in scoring with 14.7 points per game (second on the team in total points-501) and averaged 31.3 minutes per game. Ajavon scored double digits in all but seven games, posting 20 10+ points, six 20+ points and one 30+ points in a game. Ajavon led the Mystics in scoring in eight games and assists in 15 games. Last season, Ajavon only averaged 5.9 points per game (199 total) and 14.6 minutes per game. Ajavon contributed 3.1 assists per game and set a career high seven assists against the Seattle Storm on July 12. Ajavon finished seventh in the league collecting 1.68 steals per game and set a career high five steals against the Phoenix Mercury on July 15. Ajavon finished 17th in the league in free throw percentage (.829), shooting 116-for-140 from the charity stripe.

http://www.wnba.com/mystics/multimedia/matee_ajavon_for_MIP_090611.html

Inova Family Fun Day:

Inova Health System and the Washington Mystics are proud to announce "Get Movin' Family Fun Day", a celebration of National Family Health & Fitness Day. This family-oriented, community event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at the ProJet Aviation Hangar at Leesburg Executive Airport, 957 Sycolin Road, Leesburg, VA. Admission is free and open to kids of all ages and is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The event will take place rain or shine. Shuttle buses will transport people between designated parking and the event entrance; both the parking and shuttle buses are free.

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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 12, 2011


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