Nikki Blue doesn’t have to watch the clock. The Washington Mystics reserve point guard’s body tells her exactly when it’s time to come off the bench.
“I get excited just sitting watching [the first team], and then my knees start shaking. I’m like, ‘It’s going to be my turn. It’s about to be my turn. Let’s go,’” said Blue.
More than simply keeping the Mystics’ head above water, Washington’s second unit has played a key role in its recent resurgence, outscoring opposing benches in five of the last six games, including all of the team’s first four wins of the season.
“Our second unit, they’ve been not necessarily carrying us, but we don’t lose anything,” said Mystics head coach Tree Rollins.
Blue’s biggest contributions have come in those victories — she had a career-high 12 points, matched her career-best with four rebounds and was one short of her career-high with four assists Tuesday at Connecticut. The second-year UCLA product thrives in the Mystics’ recently adopted up-tempo style, and she’s more than content to come off the bench behind established starting guards Nikki Teasley and Alana Beard.
“You’ve got to give credit where credit is due. These are people that have been in the league,” said Blue. “I have no problem being on the bench, being behind them and learning from them. My day will come.”
Detroit Shock (11-2) at Washington Mystics (4-10)
When » Tonight, 7
Where » Verizon Center
Radio » 1260 AM
