WNBA Playoffs round 2 podcast: Sparks-Mystics, Mercury-Sun

In the second round of the 2018 WNBA playoffs, the Washington Mystics defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 96-64, and the Phoenix Mercury topped the Connecticut Sun 96-86.

With that, the semifinal matchups are set. Third-seeded Washington will face the Atlanta Dream, and the Mercury will take on the Seattle Storm.

In this edition of the Locked On Women’s Basketball Podcast, host Ben Dull is joined first by Lindsay Gibbs of High Post Hoops to discuss Sparks/Mystics, including:

how the Mystics were able to seize control of the game and build on their lead in the second and third quarters
walking the line to both discuss how difficult the playoff schedule is on teams playing in the opening rounds without discounting Washington’s dominant performance
the impact and improvement of LaToya Sanders and Natasha Cloud
a look ahead to how the Mystics will match up with the Dream

Gibbs wrote recently about Sanders and the big season she’s having for the Mystics:

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: LaToya Sanders #30 of the Washington Mystics handles the ball against Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks during a WNBA basketball game at Staples Center on July 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Washington Mystics: An energetic and efficient LaToya Sanders is ready for a championship

With newfound energy and efficiency, center LaToya Sanders is the x-factor for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA playoffs.

Also covered later in the episode:

quick thoughts on Mercury/Sun
the dominance of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner complemented by DeWanna Bonner’s seamless return
how Stephanie Talbot and Briann January add so much value as complementary players in Phoenix’s starting five
how Phoenix matches up with Seattle
predictions on both semifinal series

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 23: guard Natasha Cloud #9 of the Washington Mystics passes the ball against the Los Angeles Sparks in Round Two of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs on August 23, 2018 at George Washington University in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Takeaways: Washington Mystics destroy Los Angeles Sparks 96-64, advance to playoff semis

The Mystics beat the visiting Los Angeles Sparks 96-64 in round two of the WNBA playoffs, and to be honest, it didn't even feel that close.

Both semifinal series will begin on Sunday. Atlanta will host Washington in the first game of the day (3 PM ET, ESPN2). Seattle will then host Phoenix (5 PM ET) in the second Game 1 of the day.

The Dream and Storm will host Game 2s on Tuesday before their respective series transition to Washington and Phoenix, respectively.

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