Beginning tonight against Detroit, the Washington Mystics have two chances to set a franchise record for wins in a season. Chance number two comes Sunday in New York should the Mystics fall short tonight.
The team’s 17 wins tied the Mystics total of 2002 and 2004.
“We’ve spoken on it,” Mystics forward DeLisha Milton-Jones said. “[Coach Richie Adubato and Chief operating Officer Curtis Symonds] have talked to us about us getting 18 wins because that’s something this franchise has never experienced. Ourselves? We wanted 20 wins, but obviously we fell short of that.”
The game against Detroit also provides the opportunity to test portions game plan Mystics coaches devised for the team’s first-round playoff matchup against the Connecticut Sun.
“These few games that are coming up we’re preparing, doing some different things that we think we’re going to do against Connecticut,” point guard Nikki Teasley said.
While the Mystics are playing for records and pride, the Shock enter Verizon Center needing two wins to lock up homecourt advantage in their first-round matchup against the Indiana Fever.
The teams split their first two meetings this season, with each team winning on their home floor.
“Detroit is an elite team in the East,” Adubato said. “It will be a good indicator of what this team can do, because once the playoffs start all you see are elite teams.”
Detroit Shock (21-10) at Washington Mystics (17-15)
» Where: Verizon Center
» When: Tonight, 7
» Radio: WWRC–1260
