When the Mystics take the floor tonight in Indiana, it will mark their frist set of back-to-back games this season. Normally, that means tired legs and an uphill battle toward a win.
But the Mystics aren’t worried. Why? Their starters were not overworked the first four games thanks to improved bench play, something Mystics starting point guard Nikki Teasley said is key when in regular season that consists of 34 games in 85 days (Washington played its fifth game Tuesday vs. Houston).
“It’s a team effort, you can’t just do it with five people,” Teasley said. “We’re excited about the bench players that we have and we’re happy with what they’re doing.”
Leading the depth charge are forward Latasha Byears and guard Nikki Blue, both newcomers. Byears signed with the Mystics as a free agent and is averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds per game. And Blue, selected as the 19th pick in April’s draft out of UCLA, is averaging 5 points and 4 assists per game.
Mystics head coach Richie Adubato’s use of a nine-player rotation has eased the load on the starters and kept legs fresh, also a benefit with the Mystics’ new, up-tempo offensive style.
“We’re pretty deep,” Adubato said. “[Reserve Nakia] Sanford is playing more than she did last year, Byears is a new person who gets minutes, NikkiBlue can spell Teasley and Coco Miller can certainly contribute in a meaningful way.”
Washington Mystics (3-1) at Indiana Fever (4-2)*
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse
When: Tonight at 7
TV: NBA TV
Radio: WWRC-1260
*Records through Monda
