Jade

Melbourne

Sheldon has been ruled out for Washington’s final game of the season, again meaning more playing time for reserves Jade Melbourne and Lucy Olsen. Acquired from the Sun at the August trade deadline, Sheldon only appeared in two games for the Mystics. In 30 combined appearances this season, she averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 three-pointers in 23.6 minutes. Sheldon shot nearly 40 percent from three this season, making 41.2 percent of her attempts with the Sun.

Sheldon’s absence due to an ankle injury continues, as she has not appeared in a game since August 13. Washington concludes its season on Tuesday against the Liberty, and with no postseason on the horizon, the motivation to play Sheldon may not be there. Lucy Olsen and Jade Melbourne will again pick up additional minutes off the bench.

Sheldon has not appeared in a game since injuring her ankle during an August 13 loss to the Valkyries and is without a timeline for return. Her extended absence has resulted in additional minutes for rookie Lucy Olsen, who played 25 minutes against the Sparks on Sunday. Look for Olsen and Jade Melbourne to continue to pick up extra minutes off the bench.

Sheldon will miss her sixth straight game against the Storm at home on Sunday afternoon. Jade Melbourne has picked up extended minutes coming off the bench in her absence. While Sheldon has been designated as day-to-day, she hasn’t begun any on court 3-on 3 work. The Mystics guard probably shouldn’t be expected back any time soon.

Clark is replacing Jade Melbourne in the starting lineup on Saturday, as the veteran forward makes her first start for Washington since being acquired at the trade deadline. Clark is averaging just over 5.0 points per game in her seven appearances this season with the Mystics. As the team looks to end a two-game losing streak, the veteran will likely be depended on for defense and floor spacing. Meanwhile, Melbourne will join Lucy Olsen, Stefanie Dolson and Emily Engstler on the bench to form a strong Mystics reserve unit.

While Washington’s focus as it closes out its season will be on rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, and rightfully so, other decisions need to be made regarding the franchise’s rebuild. Where does Melbourne, who has been a starter since Brittney Sykes was traded to Seattle, fit into the equation? She was productive against the Sun, only missing one shot from the field and offering solid value in the assist category. In addition to dishing out at least four assists in three straight, Melbourne has scored in double figures in three of her last four.

Melbourne was efficient in her opportunities to score the basketball. She hit an open three-pointer on a cross-court pass from Emily Engstler, and took both Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby off the dribble for scores. Her four assists were to Stefanie Dolson, who made a wide open three-pointer above the break, Shakira Austin who scored on a drive, Sonia Citron with a transition three-pointer and Kiki Irafen taking down Hamby within the paint, using her footwork to out-master the veteran.

Clark racked up her third double-digit scoring outing of the season on Friday. She hit three three-pointers, two coming on passes from Jade Melbourne where Clark didn’t have a defender anywhere near her, in addition to a three-point make that was set up on a screening action from guard Sug Sutton. Clark’s only other made field goal came on a driving floater that came off her own paint penetration where she was able to back down Sophie Cunningham and then take her off the dribble.

Due to the Mystics trading Brittney Sykes earlier Tuesday, Melbourne was inserted into the starting lineup. While the assist production was solid, the 5-foot-10 guard struggled with her shot. In addition to the 4-of-11 night from the field, Melbourne missed all three of her three-point attempts. With the Sykes trade, Melbourne should not lack opportunities moving forward as Washington focuses on its future. She isn’t a must-add, but the guard is worth watching.

With the Mystics trading Brittney Sykes to the Storm earlier Tuesday, head coach Sydney Johnson has a massive hole to fill in his starting lineup. Melbourne will receive the nod against Chicago, and the move into the starting lineup boosts her fantasy value, especially if it holds for future games. Washington’s other four starters are unchanged.