It’s a collision of championship caliber. These two know what it takes to hoist a trophy. The Storm reigned supreme in 2018 by defeating the Mystics, and in 2020, too. While the Mystics owned 2019. Now, they meet for the second time in under two weeks, and history says it won’t be dull.
Last time, on Seattle’s home floor, Washington defied all odds by stunning the Storm 74–69. Tonight, the matchup shifts to Washington, where the Mystics will have the advantage of the home crowd roaring. For the Mystics, it’s a chance to prove their win wasn’t a one-off. For the Storm, it’s about settling the score and protecting their spot in the league’s upper tier. Let’s break down what could unfold when these title-tested squads go toe-to-toe once again…
Where to Watch the Washington Mystics vs the Seattle Storm?
Date: Saturday, 26th July
Time: 7:30 PM ET (Eastern Time)
Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, you can watch it using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.
The Injury Report
Washington Mystics:
Aaliyah Edwards (F): Day-to-day (Wrist injury; questionable for Saturday’s game against the Seattle Storm (July 26).)
Sika Kone (F): Out (Contract temporarily suspended (July 18).)
Georgia Amoore (G): Out (Recovering from right ACL surgery (May 17).)
Seattle Storm:
Katie Lou Samuelson (F): Out (sidelined since May 4.)
Predicted Starting Lineup
Washington Mystics:
Shakira Austin: 21.9 MIN, 12.6 PTS, 6.6 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.2 STL, 1.1 BLK
Kiki Iriafen: 26.7 MIN, 12.0 PTS, 8.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.2 BLK
Brittney Sykes: 32.0 MIN, 17.1 PTS, 3.6 REB, 4.5 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.3 BLK
Sug Sutton: 25.3 MIN, 7.4 PTS, 1.6 REB, 3.2 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.1 BLK
Sonia Citron: 33.3 MIN, 13.8 PTS, 4.9 REB, 2.2 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.3 BLK
Seattle Storm:
Nneka Ogwumike: 28.0 MIN, 17.0 PTS, 7.3 REB, 2.1 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.6 BLK
Gabby Williams: 33.0 MIN, 13.1 PTS, 4.8 REB, 4.6 AST, 2.5 STL, 0.5 BLK
Ezi Magbegor: 27.6 MIN, 8.3 PTS, 6.4 REB, 2.2 AST, 0.8 STL, 2.0 BLK
Skylar Diggins: 32.2 MIN, 17.7 PTS, 2.5 REB, 5.7 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.8 BLK
Erica Wheeler: 27.1 MIN, 11.0 PTS, 3.3 REB, 3.6 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.2 BLK
How the Washington Mystics vs Seattle Storm Might Go Down…
Tonight’s matchup will feature a classic contrast in styles as the Seattle Storm (15-10) travels to face the Washington Mystics (11-12). ESPN Analytics favors the visitors with a 62.1% win probability. The Storm currently holds fourth place in the league standings. They even appear to be rediscovering their early-season rhythm following an emphatic 95-57 rout of Chicago. Their resurgence is mostly fueled by Skylar Smith’s reliable scoring (17.7 ppg) and Nneka Ogwumike’s interior dominance. Gabby Williams has also continued to serve as the defensive catalyst with her versatile, disruptive presence.
Whereas the Mystics find themselves in a more precarious position. They are clinging to playoff aspirations while occupying the lower half of the standings. Washington is currently tied with Golden State and they are maintaining a slim advantage over Los Angeles in the battle to avoid the bottom four. Brittney Sykes (17.1 ppg) and impressive rookie Sonia Citron (13.8 ppg) have shouldered the offensive load, but Washington’s defensive vulnerabilities (allowing nearly 81 points per game) remain concerning. Moreover, their recent back-to-back losses, including a 93-86 defeat against the Sparks, highlight the team’s current struggles.
This contest may hinge completely on Washington’s ability to control tempo and dominate rebounding behind Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin. If they can successfully slow Seattle’s transition game and force more half-court possessions, the outcome will become far less certain. However, the Storm’s offensive balance and superior defensive execution should ultimately give them the edge in this road matchup.
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