Mystics grab final playoff spot in 85-78 win over Dream
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Ariel Atkins scored 26 points and the Washington Mystics clinched the eighth and final seed to the playoffs with an 85-78 win over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
The Mystics (9-13) will take on No. 5-seed Phoenix (13-9) on Tuesday in a single-elimination game. Washington's win eliminated Dallas (8-14) from playoff contention after the Wings beat the New York Liberty 82-79 earlier Sunday.
Washington secured a spot in the post season having won five of its last six games following a stretch where it had lost 11 of 12.
Myisha Hines-Allen added 16 points with 10 rebounds, Emma Meesseman scored 14 with seven assists and Kiara Leslie scored 11 for the Mystics.
Betnijah Laney scored 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting for the Dream (7-15). Rookie Chennedy Carter scored 26 points before fouling out in the game's final minute.
Regular Season Series
WSH leads 2-0
Game Information
- Referees:
- Fatou Cissoko-Stephens
- Tiara Cruse
- Byron Jarrett
2023-24 Eastern Conference Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York | 32 | 8 | .800 | - | L1 |
Connecticut | 28 | 12 | .700 | 4 | W1 |
Indiana | 20 | 20 | .500 | 12 | L1 |
Atlanta | 15 | 25 | .375 | 17 | W3 |
Washington | 14 | 26 | .350 | 18 | W1 |
Chicago | 13 | 27 | .325 | 19 | L5 |