Season In Review: Washington Mystics

Season In Review: Washington Mystics

As the end of 2021 draws near, WNBA.com is wrapping up this 25th season by recapping each team’s season. Take a look back at notable contributors and season highlights with the 2021 Season In Review. Last but certainly not least, the Washington Mystics.

Overview:

The Washington Mystics’ goal to return to their championship status in 2020 was derailed with many key contributors opting out. With key players returning in 2021 including Natasha Cloud, Elena Delle Done, and newcomer Tina Charles’ it appeared that this was the team’s time to rise to the top of the league again. 

2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman did not play this season due to overseas commitments. Additionally, defensive star Alysha Clark, who signed with the Mystics in the off-season, had a season-ending injury before the season even started. The highly anticipated return of 2x MVP Elena Delle Done unfortunately only lasted three games before she was sidelined again with an injury. On top of this, injuries affected almost every player on the Mystics, with only forward Theresa Plaisance available for all games.

The starting lineup changed many times due to the plethora of injures, resulting in the team struggling to find consistency and rhythm. Despite all of this, the Mystics still had a chance to clinch the eighth playoff seed. Thanks to a monster season from Tina Charles, and a career-best season from Ariel Atkins. Unfortunately, Charles and Atkins’ contributions were not enough, and the Mystics failed to win either of their last two games resulting in them missing the Playoffs. The Mystics ended the season with a 12-20 record.

The Mystics and Head Coach Mike Thibault will look to regroup and refocus on getting the team back to their championship ways. Thibault will have many big decisions to make this off-season, with five potential unrestricted free agents, including Tina Charles.

Top Contributors:

Tina Charles

Many wondered how Tina Charles would perform with the Mystics in her debut season after not playing in 2020. In fashion, Charles did not just succeed expectations but blew them out of the park. The 6-4 center averaged a career and league-best 23.4 points per game (6th best in WNBA history) and 9.6 rebounds (4th in the league). In her 14th season, Charles expanded her game, improving her shot from beyond the arc, shooting a career-best .365 from three-point territory. She etched her name into the history books many more times this season, including becoming the first player to record consecutive games of 30+ points and 15+ rebounds. Additionally, she earned her ninth All-WNBA selection and won her third Olympic gold with Team USA this summer.

Ariel Atkins

In her fourth season, Ariel Atkins continued to show why she is one of the most tenacious two-way players in the league. Atkins averaged a career-best 16.2 points (12th most in the WNBA) and 1.6 steals per game (Tied for 4th). Atkins, who played in 30 games this season, held it down for the Mystics on the defensive end and was awarded her fourth All-Defensive Team nod. On June 17th against the Atlanta Dream, Atkins put up a career-high 32 points, 24 of those points in the second half to give the Mystics the comeback win.

Natasha Cloud

After opting out in 2020, Natasha Cloud returned stronger than ever, ready to show everyone that she was still the point guard who led the Mystics to their first championship in 2019. Her elite form showed despite missing some time due to injury. Cloud averaged a team and career-high 6.4 assists (second in the WNBA) and a career-high 1.4 steals (9th in the league). Cloud dished out a career-high 12 assists vs. the Connecticut Sun (8/31) and recorded a career-high 9 boards against the Atlanta Dream (6/17) this season.

Season Highlights:

Mike Thibault Became the First Head Coach with 350 Career Wins

On June 17th, Wahington Mystics Head Coach, Mike Thibault, the WNBA’s all-time winningest coach, secured his 350th career when the Mystics defeated the Dream 96-93. He is the first WNBA head coach to accomplish this feat.

Two Mystics Players Earned All-Team Selections

Tina Charles was named to the All-WNBA Second Team, marking her 9th time she has been selected to an All-WNBA team. Ariel Atkins was named to the All-Defensive Second Team, her fourth consecutive nod.  She is the only player in WNBA history to achieve this in their first four seasons in the league.

Two Mystics Members Named to the “W25”

Two-Time MVP, Elena Delle Donne, and the 2012 MVP, Tina Charles were named to the ‘W25” list. A list of the greatest 25 WNBA players of all time.

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