The Washington Mystics aim to defend their home court Saturday night against the Detroit Shock in the second of a three-game home stand.
Both of the Mystics’ wins this season have come at home and coach Richie Adubatosaid that with only 34 games in a WNBA season, it is imperative to protect your home court.
“We’re really hoping to create an atmosphere on our home court where the other teams in the league find it almost impossible to come into our place and win,” Adubato said.
The Mystics (2-1) were 10-7 at home last season, en route to a 16-18 record overall. Adubato said he has stressed the importance of early home games.
“Last season we lost a bunch of home games early on, which put us into a hole for the rest of the season,” Adubato said.
Protecting their home court will be a challenge against Detroit (2-1), whose starters were all named to the 2005 All Star team and is expected to contend for the championship. The Shock hosted the New York Liberty Thursday night.
Mystics All Star guard Alana Beard said the team is focused on continuing their up-tempo defensive play and hopes to out-maneuver the Shock’s bigger lineup to get some rebounds.
“They’re a great team,” Beard said. “They’re a really big team so our challenge is to keep them off of the boards.”
Detroit Shock (2-1) at Washington Mystics (2-1)
Where: Verizon Center
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.
TV: None
Radio: WWRC-1260
