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Behind a career high 27 points from Myisha Hines-Allen, it was a dominating win by the WNBA Champion Washington Mystics in a 101-76 win over the Indiana Fever today in Bradenton, Florida to open the 2020 season.
The champs were only a -2 favorite on the closing line, thank in part to missing players like 2019 MVP Elena Delle Donne and new acquisition Tina Charles. But at no point was this ever a basketball game, with the Mystics leading 36-26 after the first quarter and never looking back.
Hines-Allen was the star for the Mystics after playing just a bit part on their title team last year. She averaged just 2.3 points per game in 2019 and entered with a career high of 15 established in 2018, but had 27 today in just 29 minutes on 11-17 shooting. 2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman chipped in 14 on 7-13 from the floor as well as five rebounds and three assists.
Indiana was led by 25 points from Kelsey Mitchell on 8-17 shooting, but the Fever played like the rebuilding franchise they are. They allowed the Mystics to shoot 55.9% from the field, while only making 28 of 71 shots with 13 turnovers. The Fever also lost on the board 34-22, which is a significant margin when you’re missing that many more shots.
Washington Mystics stats
Myisha Hines-Allen: 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Emma Meesseman: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Indiana Fever stats
Kelsey Mitchell: 25 points, 3 assists
Tiffany Mitchell: 15 points, 4 rebounds
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