defense

Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud high-fives her teammates as she is introduced in the starting lineup before a game against the Seattle Storm at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 30, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

‘Warrior’ Natasha Cloud can’t save Washington Mystics from painful playoff exit

By Jenn Hatfield / August 23, 2022

‘They were just a little bit better all the way around’

Washington Mystics players Natasha Cloud (far left), Alysha Clark (22), Elena Delle Donne (11) and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (32) confer during a game against the Minnesota Lynx at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 17, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Are the Washington Mystics ready for the playoffs?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 29, 2022

Currently tied for fourth, the Mystics have a big opportunity this week to improve their playoff seed — and answer some lingering questions

The New York Liberty make sure center Stefanie Dolson is all right after a hard fall during a game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 21, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Can the New York Liberty move on from their Camp Day blues?

By Jackie Powell / July 23, 2022

The Liberty have lost five games in a row, including three straight Camp Day games

Washington Mystics wing Alysha Clark runs with her palms facing the sky during a game against the Connecticut Sun at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on June 19, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

‘She’s everywhere’: Inside the elite defense of Alysha Clark

By Jenn Hatfield / July 12, 2022

On a Mystics team with several all-WNBA defenders, Clark is ‘head of our snake’

Washington Mystics guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough waits to check into a game against the Chicago Sky at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on May 22, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

‘You’re having an impact on winning’: The maturation of Shatori Walker-Kimbrough

By Jenn Hatfield / July 3, 2022

Not many players have had a WNBA career like Walker-Kimbrough’s, filled with ups and downs, an MVP, and a GOAT

Members of the Atlanta Dream stand on the court. They are, from left to right: Erica Wheeler, Cheyenne Parker, Rhyne Howard, and Kristy Wallace, with Nia Coffey in front of them

How the Atlanta Dream created an elite defense, and a winning team, in the aggregate

By Spencer Nusbaum / June 3, 2022

Rhyne Howard and Nia Coffey are emerging as All-Defensive contenders during the 6-3 start.

Washington Mystics center/forward Elizabeth Williams (1) blocks the shot of Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during a game at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on May 28, 2022.

‘Backcourt bouncer’ Elizabeth Williams’ defense raises the Washington Mystics’ ceiling

By Jenn Hatfield / June 2, 2022

The Indiana Fever will be seeing Williams in their nightmares after she had six blocks and 15 rebounds on Tuesday

Why you should notice Allisha Gray’s impact on the Wings defense right now

By Arie Graham / May 23, 2022

The 6-foot guard is among the league leaders in … blocks? Yes, blocks!

Louisville Emily Engstler Jeff Walz

2022 Final Four preview: Can Louisville’s defense stop Aliyah Boston?

By Mitchell Northam / March 31, 2022

‘We’re going to have our hands full,’ Louisville’s Jeff Walz says

‘Our redemption game’: How star guards, defense and joy helped Princeton topple Kentucky

By Jenn Hatfield / March 20, 2022

Princeton was Kentucky’s ‘poison Ivy’ in an NCAA Tournament game for the ages