An action-packed week in the WNBA kicks off Tuesday. Just Women’s Sports has three matchups to watch, starting with Tuesday’s rematch between the Mercury and the Mystics.
Tuesday, June 14 @ 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
While the Mystics are 9-6 overall, their record doesn’t necessarily tell the tale of their talent. When these two teams faced off Sunday, the Mercury got the best of the Mystics in overtime, but Washington was without Elena Delle Donne.
Still, following the loss, Mystics coach Mike Thibault didn’t mince words about the team’s performance.
“Wasted opportunity — that’s all I’ve got,” he said. “This is the most frustrating one of the year. Chance to beat a good offensive team, playing good defense for the most part, and let them off the hook.”
With 12 lead changes and 13 ties over 60 minutes in Sunday’s game, Tuesday’s rematch has the potential to be just as enticing – particularly with the addition of Delle Donne. In her appearances time this season, the Mystics have gone 6-3. She’s been averaging 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game.
Wednesday, June 15 @ 1 p.m. ET
The Dallas Wings prove an interesting study, despite having lost their last three. After beating the Storm by 17 points on June 3, they lost to Las Vegas by six points. Then they dropped two straight to Seattle by a total of six points.
Arike Ogunbowale was ejected from Sunday’s game against Seattle after kicking a ball into the stands. Former No. 1 overall pick Charli Collier can’t stick in the lineup. Regardless, the team has the talent to threaten top-tier teams like the Aces, who lead the league.
A’ja Wilson has been a dominant force for an Aces team that has plenty of firepower. But guard Jackie Young remains out with an ankle sprain after being a major contributor to the team’s offense through 11 games, averaging 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Friday, June 17 @ 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
The Storm and the Sun are near the tops of their respective conferences, and Seattle has hot lately, winning its last three. Storm star Breanna Stewart leads the league in points, averaging 21.7 per game.
Meanwhile, Connecticut boasts two of the league’s best rebounders in Jonquel Jones (8.7 per game) and Alyssa Thomas (8.4 per game). Thomas also ranks in the top five in the league in assists with 5.8 per game.
These two teams matched up on June 5, with Connecticut coming out on top following a 32-point fourth quarter. But the two teams kept it close to the end, and Friday could offer another riveting contest.