Stefanie

Dolson

Dolson was responsible for 10 of the Mystics total 31 bench points, a number where the Mystics bested the Sparks on Sunday night. Dolson hit two above the break three-pointers on passes from Jade Melbourne. Dolson also hit a mid-range two on a kick out pass from power forward Kiki Iriafen. The Mystics’ veteran center was also responsible for three of the team’s assists, getting the ball to Melbourne for her to hit a wide open three in addition to finding Emily Engstler for a cutting layup as well as passing into a well-screened three-pointer from Sonia Citron.

Dolson shot well from deep on Sunday afternoon. She hit a trio of three-pointers at pivotal moments to keep the Mystics in the game. Her only shot that wasn’t a three came with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter and the Mystics down four points. Guard Jade Melbourne executed the pick-and-pop with Dolson, but Dominque Malonga closed out on Dolson which made her dribble a bit and take a 20-foot pullup instead of a three-pointer. Dolson also served as a connector off the bench, not just scoring but keeping the ball moving while using her size to rebound the basketball.

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.

Washington’s frontcourt depth takes a hit with Dolson unavailable for Tuesday’s game. However, starter Shakira Austin returned to action on Sunday and is not on the Mystics’ injury report. While her playing time may remain somewhat limited, she’ll lead the way at the center position. Emily Engstler can also absorb the minutes that would have gone to Dolson.

Sutton created a lot of her own offense. She succeeded making a bunch of difficult shots including four mid-range long twos. With over a minute left in regulation and the Mystics up just three points, Sutton came off a dribble handoff with Kiki Iriafen and hit a 11-foot pullup over Odyssey Sims to put the Mystics up by two scores with less than a minute left in the game. In addition to shot making, Sutton also created offense as a facilitator. She found four different teammates for scores including three-point makes from Stefanie Dolson, Sonia Citron and Alysha Clark. Sutton also found Iriafen cutting off the ball for a score midway through the second quarter.

Friday’s game will be the third Austin has missed with a left leg injury. While it is not believed to be a long-term issue, the Mystics have not offered a concrete timeline for return. Stefanie Dolson has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but reserve Emily Engstler has been more productive with Austin unavailable.

Engstler’s playing time has increased in recent games, as the Mystics continue without the injured Shakira Austin. After scoring 11 points and recording a complete stat line in Washington’s August 10 win over the Wings, Engstler did not miss a shot on Wednesday. She isn’t at the point where fantasy managers should consider streaming her, but Engstler is worth watching, especially if Austin continues to miss time. Stefanie Dolson made another start on Wednesday, finishing with five points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer in 17 minutes.

Wednesday’s game will be Austin’s second missed game with what the Mystics have described as a sore left leg. During his pregame availability, Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said the team’s starting center is dealing with an injury, and the hope is that it will not be a long-term issue. Stefanie Dolson will remain in the starting lineup as Austin’s replacement.

The Mystics were forced to play Sunday’s game without Shakira Austin, who was held out with a sore left leg. Making her first start since June 15, Dolson performed admirably in Austin’s absence. Making both of her three-point attempts, Dolson hit double figures in points for the first time this season. With Washington off until Wednesday, Austin may be able to return to the lineup. If so, Dolson will return to the bench, nearly eliminating her fantasy value.

Dolson’s insertion into the starting lineup is the lone change for the Mystics, who have ruled out Shakira Austin with a leg injury. Dolson started Washington’s first 11 games this season, averaging 3.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.5 three-pointers in 20.4 minutes. Given those numbers, fantasy managers should not expect to receive too much streaming value from Dolson.