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79-516: The Mystics have qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 13 of its 23 seasons of existence, and the franchise has been home to such high-quality players as two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne , Tennessee standout Chamique Holdsclaw , athletic shooting guard Alana Beard , and nearby Maryland product Crystal Langhorne . Until 2018, the Mystics were the only current WNBA franchise that had never made it to

158-545: A 118–81 victory over the Chicago Sky . On September 28, 2016, they won the second overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft . During the 2016–17 off-season, the Mystics were busy in the trade market. With enough trade assets, they were determined to make a trade for a superstar player. First, on January 30, the team executed a three-way deal with the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm , sending Bria Hartley and Kia Vaughn to

237-646: A 19–15 record, and lost in the first round. The following 2013 season, the team again made it to the WNBA Finals, and again was swept by the Lynx. Williams' contract was not renewed. Michael Cooper was then hired for the 2014 season. He led the team to the playoffs in 2014 and 2016 but was fired after failing to make the playoffs in 2017. On October 30, 2017, the Dream hired Nicki Collen as their new head coach. Collen came over to Atlanta after serving as an assistant coach for

316-508: A 2010 blog that the banners would be taken down, reasoning that the "only banners we should display revolve around winning a division or conference or league championship." The Mystics are now highly unlikely to lead the WNBA in attendance, since their current home of the Entertainment and Sports Arena seats only 4,200. It was the league's smallest arena during the 2019 season, the Mystics' first in

395-513: A Game 3 loss to deny the Mystics an opportunity to close the series early on their home court. The Mystics finally earned their first-ever championship by erasing multiple deficits in the final tiebreaker game, before breaking through in the crucial final quarter to hold on to an 89–78 victory. Meesseman was honored as the Finals MVP. Delle Donne did not play during the 2024 season, and as of October 2024, she has not said anything about returning for

474-584: A WNBA expansion franchise. On November 27, 2007, Atlanta named Marynell Meadors , a coach with extensive experience at the college level, the first head coach and general manager in franchise history. This was Meadors' second role as a coach/general manager in the WNBA following a stint with the Charlotte Sting . Afterward, Meadors had served as a scouting director for the Miami Sol and had been an assistant coach under Richie Adubato and Tree Rollins for

553-871: A best-of-five series. The higher seed hosts the first, second, and (if necessary) fifth games. Beginning in 2025, Round One will switch back to a 1–1–1 pattern, and the Finals will become a best-of-seven series , utilizing a 2–2–1–1–1 pattern similar to the NBA, with the higher seed hosting the first and second games, as well as the fifth and seventh games if necessary. Bold Series winner Bold Series winner Bold Series winner Note: Teams re-seeded after each round. Note: Teams re-seeded after each round. Note: Teams re-seeded after each round. Note: Teams re-seeded after second round and semi-finals. Note: Teams re-seeded after second round and semi-finals. Note: Teams re-seeded after second round and semi-finals. There were 12 teams in

632-525: A bye for the first round. There were 12 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the three teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to three. The top seeded team in each conference got a bye for the first round. There were 10 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in the league were seeded one to four. Houston was switched to the Western Conference in 1998 so two Western Conference teams matched up in

711-532: A championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in the previous season), upgrading their roster into a championship contender. However, with Meesseman missing some games due to overseas commitment, and Tayler Hill out with a torn ACL midway through the season, the Mystics were the number 6 seed in the league with an 18–16 record. The Mystics defeated the Dallas Wings 86–76 in the first round elimination game. In

790-485: A couple games in the 2022 season. The Dream and Carter could not work out their differences from the following season, and on February 5, 2022, the Dream traded her to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Erica Wheeler and some draft picks. Tasked with trying to turn the team around, the Dream hired Tanisha Wright as their new head coach on October 12, 2021. Wright had played in the league for 12 years and had most recently been an assistant under Bill Laimbeer of

869-576: A senior. The Dream played at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta, shared with the Atlanta Hawks , from 2008 to 2016. In 2013, the team qualified for the WNBA Finals , but a scheduling conflict forced them to play home games at The Arena at Gwinnett Center , in suburban Duluth . Due to renovations to Philips Arena during the Hawks' 2017 and 2018 offseasons, the Dream played home games at McCamish Pavilion on

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948-463: Is an elimination tournament among 8 teams in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), ultimately deciding the final two teams who will play in the WNBA Finals . In the current format of the WNBA playoffs, the top eight teams in the regular season – regardless of conference – participate in a single-elimination tournament system. The eight teams are seeded by their regular season records, with

1027-423: The 2013 WNBA season , the Mystics drafted Tayler Hill and Emma Meesseman in the 2013 WNBA draft . After the firing of Trudi Lacey, the Mystics hired Mike Thibault as their new head coach and GM. In the 2013 WNBA season, the Mystics were 17-17 and made the playoffs losing in the first round. Prior to the 2014 WNBA season , the Mystics drafted Bria Hartley and Stefanie Dolson in the 2014 WNBA draft . In

1106-518: The 2018 WNBA season , the Mystics played without their starting power forward Emma Meesseman, who played for Team Belgium in the FIBA World Tournament. The Mystics made some adjustments in their starting lineup to compensate for her absence. One month into the season, Tayler Hill made her return to the team after recovering from her ACL injury, but she was traded a month later to the Dallas Wings in exchange for Aerial Powers . That trade helped

1185-476: The 2020 WNBA draft to start the rebuild. The Dream played slightly better in 2020 compared to 2019, but still missed the playoffs with a 7-15 record and were the third worst team in the league. Shortly after the George Floyd protests began, the WNBA and players' union decided to put Black Lives Matter and Say Her Name slogans on warmup gear and opening weekend uniforms. By then, team owner Kelly Loeffler

1264-579: The Connecticut Sun . Collen helped the Dream finish first in the Eastern Conference in 2018, finishing with a 23-11 record. They ultimately ended up losing in the Semifinals that year. 2019 was a struggle for the Dream. Angel McCoughtry was still recovering from her ACL tear that occurred during the 2018 year. Tiffany Hayes and Brittney Sykes were bright spots – both averaging in double figures for

1343-599: The Las Vegas Aces . Wright hired Christie Sides, Paul Goriss , and Barbara Turner to her staff in March of 2022. The Dream also announced some new partners and sponsors for the upcoming season. Microsoft and Xbox were announced on April 5, 2022. The Dream also announced Emory Healthcare as the first-ever marquee jersey partner. The expanded partnership was put on display as the Emory Healthcare logo made its debut on

1422-479: The WNBA Finals . They lost in the semifinals twice, to New York in 2002 and to the eventual champion Minnesota Lynx in 2017 . After reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in 2018 , they won their first championship in 2019 . The Washington Mystics were one of the first WNBA expansion franchises to be established. In 1998, their first season, they finished with a WNBA worst 3–27 record, despite being led by Olympian Nikki McCray . Although they did not make

1501-477: The WNBA Most Improved Player award. The Mystics would unfortunately not make the playoffs, finishing with a disappointing 13–21 record but showed signs of promise in the future. Meesseman continued to improve after her breakout season, averaging a career-high 15.2 ppg. Also on September 7, 2016, the Mystics scored a franchise record of 118 points along with 16 three-pointers (another franchise record) in

1580-604: The Washington Mystics . Former NBA player Dennis Rodman volunteered his name as head coach for the Dream. Terwilliger declined, stating that he wanted someone with more coaching experience and he felt that the head coach should be a woman, as the WNBA was a women's league. On December 5, 2007, an online contest was announced for people to vote on the team name and team colors, while the final choice rested with owner Ron Terwilliger. The names offered as choices were "Dream", "Flight", "Surge" and "Sizzle". On January 23, 2008,

1659-464: The 2002 Detroit Shock had opened their season 0–13. On July 5, the Dream earned their first win in Atlanta 91–84 against the Chicago Sky , ending the losing streak. They later finished with a 4–30 record. Not wanting a repeat of 2008, head coach and general manager Marynell Meadors acquired players such as Sancho Lyttle , Nikki Teasley , Chamique Holdsclaw , Angel McCoughtry , and Michelle Snow in

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1738-569: The 2008 WNBA Draft. Also, the Dream traded the 18th pick and LaToya Thomas to the Detroit Shock for Ivory Latta . From May 17, 2008, with a season-opening loss against the Connecticut Sun to July 3, 2008, with a home loss against the Houston Comets , the Dream lost 17 consecutive games, setting the WNBA all-time record for both consecutive losses and losses from opening day. The 2006 Chicago Sky had previously lost 13 consecutive games, and

1817-555: The 2008–2009 offseason. In 2009, Atlanta reached the playoffs at 18–16, exceeding their previous record by 14 wins, but lost in the first round to the 2008 champion Detroit Shock in a sweep. After the season, their coach, Marynell Meadors, was awarded the Coach of the Year Award . The Dream's owner, Ron Terwilliger, announced in August that he wanted to give up his position as the primary owner of

1896-509: The 2011 season. Despite the addition, the Dream struggled to open the season, starting with a 2–7 record due to an injury that sidelined Angel McCoughtry and overseas commitments by Sancho Lyttle . The team then went on a run of 14 wins and 5 losses after the All-Star break. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, sweeping the Connecticut Sun and defeating the Indiana Fever to return to

1975-421: The 2013 WNBA draft, the Mystics ended up with the 4th pick, missing out on drafting one of the three highly touted players available in the 2013 WNBA draft ; which was Brittney Griner , Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins . Despite missing out on a top 3 draft pick, the Mystics remained positive and continued their rebuilding phase while adding some young talent with future potential to their roster. Prior to

2054-418: The 2014 WNBA season, Meesseman became the starting center for the Mystics. They finished 16-18 and made the playoffs but lost in the first round yet again. In the 2015 WNBA season the Mystics made a change in their starting line-up by putting Dolson at center and Meesseman at power forward. The Big-women duo would have breakout seasons as they both were selected into the 2015 WNBA All-Star Game . Later on, in

2133-464: The 2025 season. The Washington Mystics led the WNBA in home attendance in the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2009. To celebrate the fans turning out for games, six banners were hung from the Verizon Center rafters celebrating each year the Mystics were "Attendance Champions." The banners were mocked for years before Ted Leonsis , CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment , announced in

2212-508: The 4th seed. In the first round, Washington was ultimately swept by the Connecticut Sun , the first-seeded team in the East . The Mystics finished with a 16–18 record in 2007. In a more competitive conference, the team was satisfied by its near-.500 finish. However, at the end of the season, the Mystics had the same record as the New York Liberty . Since the Liberty won the regular-season series against

2291-512: The Aces on the first two home games for an insurmountable 2–0 series lead, before finishing them off in Game 4 after the Aces made a desperate bid to extend the series with a Game 3 defeat. The Mystics then returned to the Finals against the Connecticut Sun , a team that had the second-best record in the regular season that was no less hungry for a championship, having come a win short of one before. This time,

2370-405: The Atlanta franchise. On October 29, 2009, Kathy Betty took control of the team under the business entity Dream Too, LLC. The 2010 season saw further improvement, finishing in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Dream then made it through the first two rounds of the playoffs and secured a trip to the WNBA Finals with a win over the New York Liberty , as they swept New York in two games in

2449-782: The Dream share the Atlanta market with the National Basketball Association 's Hawks , the Dream is not affiliated with its NBA counterpart. The Dream play at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia . The Dream has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in eight of its thirteen years in Atlanta and has reached the WNBA Finals three times. The franchise has been home to many high-quality players such as University of Louisville standouts Angel McCoughtry and Shoni Schimmel , former Finals MVP Betty Lennox , and Brazilian sharpshooter Izi Castro Marques . In 2010 ,

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2528-593: The Dream went to the WNBA Finals but fell short to Seattle . They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the 2011 and 2013 WNBA Finals . Before the success of the United States women's basketball team in the 1996 Olympic Games, the American Basketball League had an interest in placing a women's professional basketball team in Atlanta as early as 1995. Eight of the twelve Olympians played on ABL teams when

2607-451: The Dream’s jerseys during the 2022 season. The Dream began looking for their next face of the franchise and acquire the 1st Overall Pick in the 2022 WNBA draft from the Washington Mystics on April 6, 2022. They selected Rhyne Howard out of Kentucky as the 1st Overall Pick. Howard was a three-time AP All-America First Team selection, averaged 20.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists as

2686-516: The Eastern Conference Finals. They eventually faced the best team in the league, the 28–6 Seattle Storm . Seattle took the first two games at home with two close wins. Seattle completed the sweep and won the series in Atlanta. Even though they were swept, the Dream did not lose any game by a margin of more than three points. Addressing arguably Atlanta's biggest concern, the team traded for All-Star point guard Lindsey Harding prior to

2765-527: The Finals and high hopes that a Finals title would at last be within their grasp, the Mystics began their playoff run skipping the two single-elimination rounds to a semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces , just more than a year after Washington and Las Vegas's NHL teams, the Capitals and the Golden Knights , competed in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals with the former emerging victorious. The Mystics held off

2844-603: The Liberty and receiving the Storm's #6 pick in the 2017 draft. This proved the prelude to an even larger deal as it freed up cap space to land a superstar on their team. Officially announced on February 2, the Mystics traded Kahleah Copper, Stefanie Dolson and the second overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft to the Chicago Sky in exchange for 2015 league MVP Elena Delle Donne . Also during the off-season in free agency they would sign three-point specialist Kristi Toliver (who had just won

2923-468: The Mystics boost their roster's wing depth. The Mystics finished as the #3 seed in the league with a 22–12 record, receiving a bye to the second round. In the second-round elimination game, they defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 96–64, advancing to the semifinals for the second year in a row. In the semifinals, the Mystics defeated the #2 seeded Atlanta Dream in an intense five-game series, advancing to

3002-409: The Mystics organization. Former star Holdsclaw joined the Los Angeles Sparks and the team was sold by Washington Sports and Entertainment to Ted Leonsis . In 2005, the team finished the regular season with a record of 16–18 and failed to make the playoffs. In 2006, the Mystics posted an 18–16 record thriving under star guard Alana Beard who was drafted in 2004 . The Mystics entered the playoffs as

3081-417: The Mystics prevailed through five intense games, by winning the odd-numbered ones and losing the even-numbered ones, with the availability and health of playoffs MVP Elena Delle Donne becoming a crucial factor in the outcome. The Sun were able to tie the series twice by exploiting Donne's early exit in Game 2 due to a back injury, then drawing upon unrelenting resolve and willingness to learn from mistakes after

3160-518: The Mystics took first place in the East with a record of 22–12. However, despite holding a 3–1 edge in regular-season games, they were swept in the first round, including a 24-point blowout in the elimination game, by the eventual WNBA Finals runner-up, the Atlanta Dream . Prior to the 2011 season , the Mystics made many controversial changes. Coming off their best season in franchise history, many had hoped

3239-489: The Mystics, Washington lost the tiebreaker and was eliminated from playoff contention. In 2008, the Mystics looked to build on their near-playoff appearance in a tough Eastern Conference. They drafted Crystal Langhorne of Maryland with the 6th pick in the 2008 WNBA draft . Plagues again by coaches problems, the Mystics fell to the bottom of the East again, finishing only in front of the expansion Atlanta team. The Mystics had gone through 10 coaches in 11 years of existence,

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3318-457: The WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. In the finals, they were swept by the Seattle Storm. Meesseman returned in the 2019 WNBA season , and her return powered the Mystics towards achieving an unprecedented regular season record of 26–8, leading the entire league in total wins and losses and earning them the top spot in the playoffs. With a dogged determination to come back to

3397-540: The WNBA Finals. Atlanta Dream The Atlanta Dream are an American professional basketball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area , playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was founded for the 2008 WNBA season . The team is owned by real estate investors Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and former Dream player Renee Montgomery . Although

3476-410: The WNBA Finals. However, they lost to the 27–7 Minnesota Lynx in three games. During the 2011 season, Betty sold Dream Too LLC to local investors Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler . The Dream started the 2012 season with a 12–12 record and fired head coach and general manager Meadors during a dispute with league-leading scorer Angel McCoughtry . Meadors was replaced by Fred Williams , finished with

3555-545: The campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology . The team returned to the renovated and former Philips Arena, which was renamed State Farm Arena in 2018, for the 2019 season. Following the conclusion of the 2019 WNBA regular season, team officials indicated that the Dream would not be returning to State Farm Arena for the 2020 season, citing disagreements with the Hawks' management. The team announced on October 18, 2019, coinciding with their rebranding, they would move to

3634-519: The effort to attract an expansion team. The inability of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA to draw crowds was a concern of the WNBA, and the committee kicked off an effort in February 2007 to gain volunteers and petition signatures. Philips Arena , The Arena at Gwinnett Center , and Alexander Memorial Coliseum were candidates for venues. By May 2007, the committee had over 1,000 pledges for season tickets, although

3713-833: The facility. For the 2020 season, the ESA was to be the WNBA's second-smallest arena following the offseason move of the Atlanta Dream to the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena , but instead had to play in Bradenton, FL . That had to be deferred to 2021. All Mystics game are broadcast on Monumental Sports Network and online through the Monumental Sports Network. Broadcasters for Mystics games are Meghan McPeak and Christy Winters Scott. Some Mystics games are broadcast nationally on ESPN , ESPN2 , Ion Television , CBS , CBS Sports Network and ABC . WNBA Playoffs The WNBA playoffs

3792-464: The first round, but lose to New York again in the Eastern Conference Finals 2 games to 1. This would be the only time the Mystics would win a playoff series until 2017. In 2003, the Mystics would make a franchise second-worst record in franchise history with a 9–25 record, last in the Eastern Conference. Rumors of Holdsclaw being unhappy playing in Washington came to a head in 2004 when the Mystics star

3871-577: The first- and second-seeded teams entered the tournament at the Semifinals, third and fourth places started at the Second Round, and the remaining four began at the First Round. The format also eliminated conference seeding, instead having the top eight teams overall advance. The First and Second Rounds were only a single game, with the winning team immediately advancing to the next round. The Semifinals and Finals were both best-of-five series. After each round,

3950-467: The goal was 8,000 season tickets in ninety days. By July the committee had 1,200 commitments and began searching for an owner. On October 16, 2007, it was reported that Ron Terwilliger , an Atlanta businessman and CEO of a national real estate company would be the future owner of an Atlanta franchise. The next day, at a news conference at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park , WNBA president Donna Orender announced that Atlanta would officially be granted

4029-409: The higher seeded team (or the team with the better record) in each series given homecourt advantage. Round One is a best-of-three series , played with a homecourt pattern of 2–1 (the higher seed hosts games 1 and 2, while the lower seed hosts game 3, if necessary). The Semifinals and Finals are both best-of-five , played with a homecourt pattern of 2–2–1 (the higher seed hosts games 1, 2, and 5, while

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4108-509: The league began play in October 1996. The Atlanta Glory played at Forbes Arena and lasted two seasons before folding before the start of the 1998–99 season, which would be the ABL's final. Atlanta had been mentioned as a possible future city for WNBA expansion, but efforts did not come together until the beginning of 2007 when an organizing committee with Atlanta businesswomen/men and politicians began

4187-404: The league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 12 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 12 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 12 teams in

4266-405: The league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 12 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. Starting in 2010, the first two rounds changed to a 1-1-1 format, with the higher-seeded team hosting games 1 & 3. There were 13 teams in the league. For

4345-424: The league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 16 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 12 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the three teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to three. The top seeded team in each conference got

4424-404: The league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 16 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 16 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 16 teams in

4503-440: The lower seed hosts games 3 and 4). Beginning in 2025 the WNBA finals will expand to Best of 7 and the first round will change to a 1-1-1 format (with games 1 and 3 being hosted by the higher seed and game 2 by the lower seed) In case of ties, the following procedures are followed: The playoff format has changed throughout the years ever since the league's establishment. In the league's first two seasons, 1997 and 1998, only

4582-421: The lower surviving seed faced the higher seed in the next round, while the higher surviving seed faced the lower seed. The current format was adopted in 2022 and features the top 8 teams in the league (regardless of conference) playing a three-round series for the championship. The first round is a best-of-three series with the higher seed hosting both of the first two games, while the Semifinals and Finals remain

4661-533: The mistakes she said she had learned from at the 2012 WNBA draft lottery, Mystics owner Sheila Johnson said she couldn't discuss that matter, citing ongoing "human resource issues". After the coach/GM change Harding and Smith both demanded trades to specific teams which were granted (to Atlanta and Seattle , respectively). In addition, starting small forward Monique Currie tore her ACL while playing in Europe in January and

4740-408: The most in the WNBA. The Mystics front office knew it needed to completely clean out the entire coaching and management staff. During the 2008/2009 WNBA off-season, the Mystics released general manager Linda Hargrove (replaced by Angela Taylor) and interim coach Jessie Kenlaw (replaced by Julie Plank). Under the new general manager, underperforming players were waived as new players were signed. With

4819-405: The playoffs that year, the team had high expectations after drafting University of Tennessee star Chamique Holdsclaw in 1999. Washington improved but again failed to make the playoffs as they finished with a 12–20 record. Holdsclaw would lead the team to the playoffs in 2000, making the playoffs with a record of 14–18, losing to the New York Liberty in a first-round sweep. After being tied for

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4898-482: The playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 13 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four, this was also the first season where the WNBA finals was expanded to a best-of-5 game series. There were 13 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 14 teams in

4977-404: The playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 14 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 13 teams in the league. For the playoffs, the four teams with the best record in each conference were seeded one to four. There were 14 teams in the league. For

5056-465: The playoffs. However, in their playoff comeback, the eventual conference champion Indiana Fever was too much for Washington to handle and the Mystics were swept in the first round. This would be the final season Alana Beard played a game for the Mystics, as she suffered two season-ending injuries in the 2009 and 2010 offseasons, respectively. The Mystics had their best season ever in 2010 . Led by Lindsey Harding , Katie Smith , and Crystal Langhorne ,

5135-416: The season, the Mystics finished 18-16 and made the playoffs, but were once again a first-round exit. Going into the 2016 WNBA season , the Mystics kept acquiring and developing young talent. They drafted Kahleah Copper in the 2016 WNBA draft and put Hill in the starting line-up. Hill would have a breakout season, leading the Mystics in scoring with a career-high 15.4 ppg and was second place in voting for

5214-460: The second pick in the Houston dispersal draft and the 2009 WNBA draft , the Mystics selected Matee Ajavon and Marissa Coleman , respectively. The Mystics hoped to take advantage of the team changes and finally find consistency in their play. By the time the season began, the Mystics surprisingly started 3–0. They went 13–18 since the first three games, but their 16–18 record was good enough to reach

5293-401: The second round elimination game, the Mystics defeated the New York Liberty 82–68, advancing past the second round for the first time in franchise history, coming off a record-setting performance by Toliver, as she drained 9 three-pointers in the win. In the semi-finals, the Mystics were defeated by the Minnesota Lynx in a 3-game sweep, who would go on to win the 2017 WNBA championship . In

5372-418: The team in February 2021. Collen seemed excited for the upcoming 2021 , but left the Dream to go to Baylor about a week before the season began. The Dream promoted Mike Petersen to interim head coach, but he stepped down on July 24 for health reasons. Darius Taylor took over as interim coach through the end of the regular season. Coaching changes weren't the only issue the Dream faced. Chennedy Carter

5451-568: The team name was announced as the Dream, inspired by the famous speech of Atlanta native Martin Luther King Jr. , and the team colors were sky blue, red, and white. Atlanta held its expansion draft on February 6, 2008, when it selected one player from each of the 13 teams in the league. Atlanta traded Roneeka Hodges and their number four pick in the 2008 WNBA draft to the Seattle Storm for Izi Castro Marques and Seattle's eighth pick in

5530-405: The team would finally see some consistency; this was not the case. General manager Angela Taylor could not reach an agreement on a new contract and after head coach Julie Plank refused a request to handle both coach and GM duties which was reported as a cost-cutting measure, Mystics assistant coach Trudi Lacey was named to both positions. When asked if the departure of Plank and Taylor was one of

5609-477: The team's inception in 2008. Star Angel McCoughtry announced that she wasn't going to return to the Dream in the 2020 season – choosing to sign with the Las Vegas Aces . This began the transformation of the new look Dream. Tiffany Hayes and Renee Montgomery announced that they would be sitting out the "bubble" season – leaving Elizabeth Williams as the only starter coming back from the last two seasons. The Dream selected young star guard Chennedy Carter in

5688-410: The top four teams overall advanced to the playoffs, which comprised only two rounds. In 1997, only a single game was played in all matches. In 1998, each match became a best-of-three series. The homecourt pattern for best-of-three was 1–1–1. As expansion began, the playoff format accommodated more teams. 1999 featured six teams, with the top three teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs, and

5767-494: The top seed of each conference getting a bye into the Conference Finals. The following season, it was expanded to eight teams with the top four teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs. In 2005, the WNBA Finals became a best-of-five series. Despite the departure of some teams later on, this format continued until 2015. From 2016-2021, a new format was introduced, featuring a stepladder -like system. In this format,

5846-411: The worst record in the WNBA in 2001 with a 10–22 record, coach Tom Maher and General Manager Melissa McFerrin both resigned. With the future of the franchise up in the air, Mystics assistant coach Marianne Stanley took over as head coach. With the duo of Holdsclaw and rookie guard Stacey Dales-Schuman , the Mystics made the playoffs in 2002 with a 17–15 record. They would sweep the Charlotte Sting in

5925-415: The year. But that wasn't enough, the Dream finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference with a 8-26 record. With the WNBA's lottery system of 2-year combine records, the Dream had the worst shot at receiving the top pick in the 2020 WNBA draft and they received the 4th Overall Pick. On October 18, 2019, the Dream unveiled an updated logo and color scheme, the first change to their branding since

6004-475: Was a Republican U.S. Senator, and she criticized the league's support for Black Lives Matter. At the next game, Dream players wore black T-shirts with the slogan "VOTE WARNOCK," endorsing her election opponent Raphael Warnock , an African-American pastor who then defeated Loeffler. The players' union then demanded that Loeffler sell her stake in the team. A three-member investor group, including former Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery , were approved to purchase

6083-437: Was lost for most of the WNBA season. As a result of this off-season turmoil, the Mystics record in 2011 fell to 6–28 from 22-12 the year before. Alana Beard also left in free agency, leaving Crystal Langhorne at center and not much else. After an even worse season in 2012 (5–29), Trudi Lacey was fired as the Mystics coach and GM. Although having the best odds of the four teams involved in the lottery held on September 26, 2012 for

6162-403: Was sidelined with an unspecified ailment, later revealed to be a bout with depression . With their all-star out, rookie and Duke University standout Alana Beard led a depleted Mystics team to a surprising playoff appearance, the third in Mystics history. They finished the 2004 season at 17–17, but lost in the first round to the Connecticut Sun in 3 games. The 2005 season saw deep changes in

6241-443: Was suspended on July 5, 2021, due to conduct detrimental to the team and never played again. The Dream's season once again put them at the bottom of the standings and missed the playoffs again. They went 8–24 during the year. Following the season, it was announced that Courtney Williams and Crystal Bradford would not be re-signed due to their roles in an altercation off the court. The league announced that they would be suspended for

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