24
Oct
4 min read
Washington Mystics WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Mystics' Rise to Championship Glory in 2019
- First WNBA Championship in 2019
- Record-breaking 26-8 regular season in 2019
- Home to two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne
The Washington Mystics transformed from perennial underdogs to WNBA champions, showcasing resilience and strategic team-building to reach the pinnacle of women's basketball.
Overview
The Washington Mystics, founded in 1998, have evolved from a struggling expansion team to WNBA champions. Their journey to the top of the league is a testament to perseverance, smart management, and the cultivation of elite talent. The Mystics' rise to prominence culminated in a historic 2019 season, marking their place among the greatest teams in WNBA history.
Australians who have played for the Washington Mystics
Jade Melbourne: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne was acquired by the Mystics in May 2024 from the Seattle Storm. She has been a dynamic addition to the team, known for her playmaking abilities and defensive tenacity. Melbourne also represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, contributing to the national team's success.
Leilani Mitchell: Hailing from Richland, Washington, Mitchell holds dual American-Australian citizenship. She played for the Mystics during the 2016, 2020 and 2021 WNBA seasons, providing veteran leadership and sharpshooting from the guard position. Mitchell has also been a key member of the Australian national team, known as the Opals.
Team History
The Mystics' early years were marked by inconsistency and frequent coaching changes. From 1998 to 2012, the team cycled through ten coaches in just eleven years, struggling to find stability and success. Despite occasional playoff appearances, the Mystics were unable to advance beyond the first round for many years.
A turning point came in 2013 with the hiring of Mike Thibault as head coach and general manager. Thibault's arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the Mystics, as he brought a wealth of experience and a clear vision for rebuilding the team.
The Mystics' journey from perennial underdogs to champions is a compelling narrative in WNBA history. Their success demonstrates the importance of organisational stability, smart drafting, and strategic acquisitions in building a championship-calibre team. The Mystics have also played a crucial role in growing the sport's popularity in the Washington D.C. area, cultivating a passionate fanbase and contributing to the overall growth of women's basketball.
Australian Jade Melbourne joined the Washington Mystics in 2024 after being traded from the Seattle Storm, where she debuted in 2023. Known for her energetic style and court awareness, Melbourne quickly became a reliable guard off the Mystics’ bench, injecting defensive intensity and scoring bursts. Her transition to Washington highlighted her strengths in driving to the basket and scoring under pressure, allowing her to impact games even without a starting role. Melbourne's international experience, including representing Australia in FIBA competitions, has added to her adaptability and poise, making her an asset as the Mystics build a younger core.
The Washington Mystics are recognised as an elite WNBA team because:
- Historic 2019 Season: The Mystics' 26-8 regular-season record in 2019 was the best in the league, showcasing their dominance throughout the year.
- Championship Breakthrough: After years of playoff disappointments, the Mystics captured their first WNBA title in 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun in a thrilling five-game series.
- Stellar Roster: The team's success was built on a combination of homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions, including Elena Delle Donne, Emma Meesseman, and Kristi Toliver.
- Offensive Prowess: The 2019 Mystics set WNBA records for offensive rating and three-pointers made in a season.
- Resilience: The team's ability to overcome injuries and setbacks, particularly during the 2019 Finals, demonstrated their mental toughness and depth.
Five Fast Facts
- The Mystics set a WNBA record with 316 three-pointers made during the 2019 regular season.
- Elena Delle Donne became the first WNBA player to join the 50-40-90 club in 2019, showcasing exceptional shooting efficiency.
- Emma Meesseman was named the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, coming off the bench in most games.
- The Mystics' 2019 championship came in their second consecutive Finals appearance, having lost to the Seattle Storm in 2018.
- Washington's 89.3 points per game in 2019 led the league and was the highest team scoring average since 2010.
Team Highlights Timeline
2013: Mike Thibault hired as head coach and general manager, beginning the team's turnaround.
2017: Elena Delle Donne acquired in a blockbuster trade, immediately elevating the team's status.
2018: Mystics reach the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
2019: Washington sets a franchise record with 26 regular-season wins and captures its first WNBA championship.
2020: The Mystics struggle without Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman, missing the playoffs in the shortened season.
2021: Washington returns to the playoffs but falls in the first round.
2022: The team makes another playoff appearance, showcasing their consistent competitiveness.
2023: Despite challenges, the Mystics continue to be a respected force in the league.
The Washington Mystics' transformation from a struggling franchise to WNBA champions is a testament to the power of patience, smart management, and strategic team-building. Their 2019 championship season, marked by record-breaking performances and resilience in the face of adversity, cements their place among the greatest teams in WNBA history. The Mystics have not only brought glory to Washington D.C. but have also contributed significantly to the growth and evolution of women's basketball.
As they continue to compete at a high level, the Mystics remain a beacon of excellence in the WNBA, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.
