Washington shot 51% in its first meeting with Los Angeles on May 29, so the offence looked functional in a 92-87 loss. The possession count is what I would watch when the Mystics host the Sparks again Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Washington won total rebounds 31-29 and defensive rebounds 24-20, but LA had the 9-7 edge on the offensive glass, committed two fewer turnovers and took five more field-goal attempts. Can Washington turn more of its defensive work into controlled possessions this time, or will the Sparks create more chances again? https://www.espn.com/wnba/game/_/gameId/401856946 https://www.espn.com/wnba/game/_/gameId/401857146
Can Washington control the possession count against the Sparks?
1 reply
Fair, Washington's 17-point lead in the August 28 rematch puts the offence under the microscope, but I'd start at the other end. The Mystics won rebounds 34-23 and still lost 88-82 while Los Angeles shot 56%, scored 50 in the paint and won fast-break points 12-2. Add Washington's 17 total turnovers to LA's 10, and the Sparks found their advantage without needing the offensive glass. If Washington cannot create the first stop or prevent transition, the half-court offence is solving the second problem first. https://site.api.espn.com/apis/site/v2/sports/basketball/wnba/summary?event=401857183