Washington Mystics home opener vs Liberty preview

by Nathan Snell · Published May 19, 2023 · Updated May 19, 2023

“Ya’ll don’t really want it now (BOOM!)” Here comes the (BOOM!)

Finally, the 2023 Washington Mystics season is here! Happy opening day!

The season for the Mystics starts at home at Entertainment Sports Arena against the 2nd-best team (in rankings), the New York Liberty.

The Mystics are a well-balanced team compared to last season, with a strong core retained from last season. There are some changes for the indigents in the recipe for success for the mystics.

The New York Liberty retained 80% of their starters, and this super team has to win games on the court, not on paper.

The Keys to Victory!

Elena Della Donne vs. Breanna Stewart

How could you not talk about two of the best forwards in the game? More importantly, we are getting a rematch from the first round of the playoffs. The leader of the pack can play spoiler, especially against Breanna Stewart. Last season In 25 games, Delle Donne averaged about 17 points and six rebounds. Now fast forward to a healthy EDD that does not plan on missing any games. Watch out!

Offense vs. Offense

For both teams, there are new pieces, and there are going to be struggles, and that is normal. For many critics since the offseason with the Mystics, where their shooting is coming from While their defense is to remain strong, this game is not enough tape to see how the offense will look; it has to be on a game-by-game basis.

With the New York Liberty, they sure did add a lot around Sabrina Ionescu. Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones (two former MVPs): this offense is going to be something to watch for sure, especially against a Mystics team that was the best defensive team in the league and allowed only 98 points compared to the other 11 teams.

Injuires:

Myisha Hines-Allen (knee): Out

Marine Johannes (overseas commitment)

Nyara Sabally (out, knee)

Projected Starting Lineup

Washington Starting 5

PG: Natasha Cloud

SG: Ariel Atkins

SF: Brittnay Sykes

Elena Della Donne

C: Shakira Austin

New York Starting 5