10

Jun

Aussies in the WNBA

Georgia 'A-four-for-four': Aussie's perfect shooting

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basketball.com.au

Georgia 'A-four-for-four': Aussie's perfect shooting
Georgia 'A-four-for-four': Aussie's perfect shooting

Washington Mystics rookie Georgia Amoore rises over Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark during the second half at CareFirst Arena. Amoore broke out of her shooting slump with 12 points, including a perfect 4-from-4 from three, but Washington fell 78-76 to Indiana. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Highlights

Georgia Amoore breaks out of shooting slump despite Mystics' narrow loss to Caitlin Clark's Fever

WNBA Scores: Indiana Fever 78 def. Washington Mystics 76 (Final)

Australian rookie Georgia Amoore delivered her best shooting performance of the WNBA season but it wasn't enough as the Washington Mystics fell 78-76 to the Indiana Fever in a thriller at Entertainment & Sports Arena on Tuesday (AEST).

Amoore, who entered the game searching for consistency from beyond the arc, found her touch in emphatic fashion, knocking down all four of her three-point attempts to finish with 12 points, four assists, one rebound and a steal in 29 minutes.

The former Kentucky star was one of five Mystics starters to score in double figures as Washington nearly erased a double-digit first-half deficit.

After trailing 43-29 at halftime, the Mystics responded with a 24-point third quarter to cut into Indiana's lead before outscoring the Fever 23-18 in the fourth.

Amoore helped fuel the comeback, connecting on four triples and providing steady playmaking as Washington repeatedly threatened to steal the game late.

Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics): 29 MIN, 12 PTS, 1 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 4-6 FG, 4-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2.

Fellow rookie Sonia Citron added 12 points and five assists, while Michaela Onyenwere led the Mystics with 17 points on an efficient 4-from-7 shooting from the field and 3-from-4 from three.

Shakira Austin contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Kiki Iriafen finished with two points and two rebounds in limited minutes.

Washington's bench also provided valuable support. Highly touted rookie Lauren Betts scored eight points and grabbed three rebounds in just 12 minutes, while Cotie McMahon added seven points and seven rebounds.

Indiana was led by Caitlin Clark, who had 19 points, five assists and four three-pointers despite committing five turnovers. Aliyah Boston added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 15 points.

The Fever appeared in control after building a 14-point halftime lead, but Washington's improved defensive pressure and hot perimeter shooting turned the contest into a one-possession game in the closing minutes.

For Amoore, however, the performance represented a significant step forward.

The Australian guard shot 4-from-6 from the field and a perfect 4-from-4 from downtown, a welcome breakthrough after a challenging stretch from long range to begin her rookie campaign.

Washington dropped to 4-6 on the season, while Indiana improved to 6-5. The Mystics will take encouragement from their second-half fightback and Amoore's breakout shooting display as they continue their push up the WNBA standings.

WNBA Scores: Las Vegas Aces 101 def. Seattle Storm 91 (Final)

Jade Melbourne and the Seattle Storm suffered a 101-91 loss to the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Tuesday (AEST) despite a spirited fourth-quarter rally.

Seattle trailed by 13 entering the final period before exploding for 32 points in the fourth quarter, but the deficit proved too large to overcome against an Aces side led by MVP A'ja Wilson.

Melbourne provided valuable playmaking off the bench, finishing with six points and five assists while converting all four of her free-throw attempts. The Australian guard also added a steal and committed just one turnover in her 23 minutes.

Fellow Australian Ezi Magbegor did not dress for Seattle, while Steph Talbot started for Las Vegas and recorded three points, three rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes.

Wilson delivered one of the performances of the WNBA season, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks. Jackie Young added 29 points while NaLyssa Smith was perfect from the field, scoring 16 points on 6-from-6 shooting.

Seattle received strong contributions from its young frontcourt. Dominique Malonga had 19 points and five rebounds, Awa Fam scored 16 points, while Natisha Hiedeman finished with 17 points and five assists.

The loss dropped Seattle to 3-10 on the season, while Las Vegas improved to 8-3 and strengthened its position near the top of the WNBA standings.

Australian Box Score

  • Jade Melbourne (Seattle Storm): Six points, five assists and one steal in 23 minutes, shooting 1-from-7 from the field, 0-from-3 from three and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
  • Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm): Did not dress.
  • Steph Talbot (Las Vegas Aces): Three points, three rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes, shooting 1-from-4 from the field and 1-from-3 from three.

Las Vegas Aces

  • A'ja Wilson: 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks
  • Jackie Young: 29 points, six assists
  • NaLyssa Smith: 16 points, nine rebounds

Seattle Storm

  • Dominique Malonga: 19 points, five rebounds
  • Natisha Hiedeman: 17 points, five rebounds, five assists
  • Awa Fam: 16 points

Aussies in the WNBA

Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings) | Ally Wilson (Washington Mystics) | Anneli Maley (New York Liberty – Development Player) | Charlise Dunn (Toronto Tempo – Rights Held) | Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm) | Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics) | Isobel Borlase (Atlanta Dream) | Jade Melbourne (Seattle Storm) | Manuela Puoch (New York Liberty – Rights Held) | Miela Sowah (Golden State Valkyries – Development Player) | Nyadiew Puoch (Portland Fire) | Rebecca Allen (New York Liberty) | Saffron Shiels (Toronto Tempo – Rights Held) | Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury) | Stephanie Talbot (Las Vegas Aces) | Alex Fowler (Waived – New York Liberty) | Amelia Hassett (Waived – Los Angeles Sparks) | Chloe Bibby (Waived) | Kristy Wallace (Waived) | Maddi Rocci (Waived)

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