Elena Delle Donne still absent as Mystics fight for WNBA playoff spot

The Washington Mystics continue to struggle without Elena Delle Donne, falling to the Minnesota Lynx 93-75 on Saturday.

Tina Charles returned to the court after missing four games with a hip injury, recording 12 points and eight rebounds for Washington.

Charles’s efforts were not enough to hold off a red-hot Minnesota Lynx team. Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 21 points, adding nine rebounds and two assists in the win.

PHEELIN' IT pic.twitter.com/db0IMJCKR5

— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 5, 2021

Sylvia Fowles notched 12 points and six rebounds, shooting 83.3 percent from the field. Aerial Powers scored 20 points off the bench for the Lynx, who have already clinched a spot in the WNBA playoffs.

Saturday’s loss complicates Washington’s path to the playoffs. The team now sits in 9^th place in the WNBA standings with five games remaining, just behind the New York Liberty.

Delle Donne’s health will be a key factor for the Mystics down the stretch. The two-time MVP, who has had two back surgeries since the 2019 season, did not travel to Minnesota for the game.

Next up: The Mystics face the Storm on Tuesday. The Lynx go on the road to take on the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday.