In need of some way to combat the high-powered New York Liberty’s starting five on a night in which they combined for 86 of their team’s 90 points, the Washington Mystics bestowed the unique challenge to a familiar source: their No. 1-ranked scoring bench. Well-versed in the art of scoring in a hurry, Jade Melbourne gets started on an updated example, working free for an outlet pass to set up an isolation atop the key. Detecting a weak spot in New York’s pick-and-roll defense, Melbourne tests her handle, using an explosive dribble to get a step on Ivana Dojkić before extending through contact for a flawlessly-angled, underhand scoop shot. Melbourne’s and-one — and subsequent seven-point quarter — encouraged Washington to cut a double-digit deficit to just four by halftime. Instrumental in helping the Mystics push a WNBA elite to the brink once more, the league’s youngest player proved lightning-quick in both impact and takes to the rim, needing only 19 minutes to record 11 points and four assists on May 31, 2024. · May 31, 2024