Sunday afternoon, WNBA action, and we will break down the contest between the Washington Mystics and the New York Liberty. This is part of the Commissioner’s Cup. Washington is off an 86-86 home win over Toronto to move to 2-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup and 5-6 on the year overall. The Liberty comes in at 4-0 in Cup Play and 9-4 overall. They have now won six in a row after beating Atlanta on the road by a score of 104-90. Can New York stay perfect in Cup Play?<\/p>\n
New York -11; Over\/Under 167.5<\/strong><\/p>\n Washington enters this Commissioner\u2019s Cup matchup at 2\u20132 in Cup play and 5\u20136 overall after a tense 86\u201385 win over Toronto. The Mystics leaned on Shakira Austin\u2019s<\/a> interior presence, while Sonia Citron<\/a> and Michaela Onyenwere<\/a> combined for timely scoring. Citron finished with 17 points, and Onyenwere added 17 of her own as Washington shot 48 percent from the field. The Mystics also received a major lift from Lauren Betts<\/a>, who delivered 18 points on 8\u2011for\u20119 shooting. Washington showed resilience despite cold perimeter shooting, and their ability to generate paint scoring kept them afloat.<\/span><\/p>\n Defensively, Washington continues to compete with toughness. They allow only 86.7 points per game and hold opponents to 43.1 percent shooting. Their rotations were sharp against Toronto, especially in the fourth quarter, when they forced several key turnovers. Austin anchors the interior, while Citron and Cotie McMahon<\/a> provide strong perimeter pressure. The Mystics also rebound well, averaging 35.7 boards per game. Their challenge now is limiting New York\u2019s spacing and avoiding the defensive lapses that have surfaced in recent losses.<\/span><\/p>\n Offensively, the Mystics rely on balanced scoring and strong interior play. They average 83.0 points per game and shoot 45.4 percent from the field. Citron leads the team at 17.1 points per game, while Austin and Kiki Iriafen<\/a> add consistent production inside. Iriafen did not play in the win over Toronto, and her status remains uncertain for this one, but Betts\u2019 emergence gives Washington another reliable option. Their three\u2011point shooting remains a concern at 28.1 percent, but their ability to attack the paint keeps them competitive. Washington must value possessions and avoid the turnovers that have hurt them late in games.<\/span><\/p>\n For the Washington Mystics<\/a> to challenge New York, they must control tempo and keep the Liberty out of transition. Their offense works best when they play through Austin and Citron while generating second\u2011chance opportunities. Defensively, they must close out on shooters and avoid giving up early\u2011clock threes. The Mystics have shown they can grind out close games, but they need a complete performance to slow a red\u2011hot Liberty team. A strong start is essential to avoid playing from behind.<\/span><\/p>\n New York enters this matchup as the hottest team in the league, riding a six\u2011game winning streak and sitting at 4\u20130 in Cup play and 9\u20134 overall. The Liberty dominated Atlanta 104\u201390<\/a> on the road, shooting 54 percent from the field and 52 percent from deep. Jonquel Jones<\/a> delivered 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Breanna Stewart<\/a> added 19 points and 11 boards. Marine Johannes<\/a> and Pauline Astier<\/a> combined for 33 points with efficient perimeter shooting. New York\u2019s offense looked sharp, and their ball movement created clean looks all night.<\/span><\/p>\n Defensively, the Liberty continues to trend upward. They allow only 82.8 points per game and hold opponents to 42.6 percent shooting. Their rotations were crisp against Atlanta, especially on the perimeter, where they limited clean catch\u2011and\u2011shoot opportunities. Stewart and Jones controlled the glass, while Leonie Fiebich<\/a> and Betnijah Laney\u2011Hamilton<\/a> provided strong wing defense. New York\u2019s ability to force tough shots and finish possessions with rebounds has fueled their recent surge. Their challenge now is containing Washington\u2019s interior scoring.<\/span><\/p>\nWashington Mystics Preview<\/h3>\n
New York Liberty Preview<\/h3>\n