Last Updated on September 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Washington Mystics 2006 relied on Alana Beard as their primary offensive leader, combining high-level scoring with playmaking and strong defensive production. Chasity Melvin provided an efficient interior scoring and rebounding presence, while Nikki Teasley directed the offense from the point guard position. Washington’s statistical profile reflected a balanced attack built around Beard’s all-around impact, with solid rebounding and defensive contributions, though inconsistent outside shooting limited the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
Beard evolved into one of the league’s premier two-way guards, carrying Washington’s offense while still accepting the toughest perimeter defensive assignments. Richie Adubato repeatedly praised her ability to control games at both ends, and opponents routinely geared their entire defensive game plan around limiting her downhill attacks. (washingtonpost.com)
WNBA All-Star (2006), All-WNBA Second Team (2006)
DeLisha Milton-Jones
Starter/Star [1.1]
29.3
High [1.2]
14.6
4.9
2.1
2.2
62.83
Milton-Jones thrived as Washington’s versatile frontcourt connector, stretching defenses with her outside shooting while defending multiple positions. Her knee injury interrupted a strong campaign, and Coach Adubato emphasized that losing her perimeter spacing fundamentally changed the offense. (washingtonpost.com)
WNBA All-Star (2006)
Chasity Melvin
Starter/Star [1.1]
29.5
High [1.2]
11.9
6.6
1.3
1.8
56.50
Melvin anchored the interior through physical screens, efficient post finishes and dependable paint defense. She rarely demanded touches but remained a trusted veteran whose toughness allowed Washington’s perimeter stars to play more aggressively. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Nikki Teasley
Starter/Star [1.1]
28.8
Medium [1.1]
10.7
2.6
5.4
1.6
48.16
Teasley directed the offense with patience, balancing playmaking against timely perimeter shooting. Independent game coverage regularly highlighted her ability to settle the team during difficult stretches and create quality looks for Beard and the frontcourt. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Nakia Sanford
Key Contributor [1.05]
26.1
Medium [1.1]
8.9
6.0
1.1
1.4
40.19
Sanford stepped into a larger frontcourt role after Milton-Jones was injured and responded with relentless rebounding and interior defense. Coaches consistently praised her willingness to fill whatever responsibilities the rotation required. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Crystal Robinson
Starter/Star [1.1]
26.8
Low [1.0]
7.4
2.6
1.8
1.2
28.16
Robinson supplied veteran stability on the wing, spacing the floor while defending experienced perimeter scorers. Her basketball IQ and positional discipline remained valuable even with a reduced offensive workload.
None
Coco Miller
Bench [1.0]
19.4
Low [1.0]
6.1
2.7
1.7
1.1
23.20
Miller embraced an energetic reserve role, bringing pace and defensive activity whenever Washington needed a spark. She fit comfortably beside either guard spot without disrupting the team’s offensive rhythm.
None
Latasha Byears
Bench [1.0]
12.8
Low [1.0]
4.3
3.3
0.4
0.6
17.20
Byears contributed physical frontcourt depth, attacking the offensive glass and providing experienced interior minutes. Her role centered on toughness rather than offensive volume.
None
Laurie Koehn
Bench [1.0]
4.7
Low [1.0]
2.2
0.4
0.3
0.2
6.20
Koehn’s specialty remained perimeter shooting, giving Washington an instant floor-spacing option off the bench. Although her minutes fluctuated, opponents respected her range whenever she entered games.
None
Nikki Blue
Bench [1.0]
7.5
Low [1.0]
2.3
0.8
1.5
0.8
10.80
Blue served as a developmental reserve guard whose primary assignment was keeping the offense organized in short stretches. Contemporary coverage of her individual contributions remained limited because of her modest role.
None
Tamara James
Bench [1.0]
7.4
Low [1.0]
2.7
0.8
0.1
0.3
7.80
James spent much of her rookie season adjusting to the professional game while providing athletic depth on the wing. Independent reporting focused more on her long-term upside than immediate production.
None
Zane Tamane
Bench [1.0]
6.4
Low [1.0]
1.8
1.7
0.1
0.4
8.00
Tamane appeared primarily as a developmental post prospect. Independent contemporary coverage was limited, with most discussion centering on her physical tools and future potential rather than immediate impact.
None
TEAM TOTALS
—
—
—
89.2
38.1
24.7
14.3
387.45
Washington finished 18-16 and returned to the 2006 WNBA Playoffs behind an elite season from Alana Beard, overcoming key injuries through balanced veteran play and one of the league’s strongest defensive identities.
Beard remained Washington’s focal point despite facing constant double-teams from Connecticut. Her shot deserted her during the series, but independent coverage emphasized that the Sun were determined to force difficult attempts because of how dangerous she was attacking off the dribble. (washingtonpost.com)
WNBA All-Star (2006), All-WNBA Second Team (2006)
DeLisha Milton-Jones
Starter/Star [1.1]
34.5
High [1.2]
14.0
9.0
2.5
2.0
72.07
Milton-Jones carried much of Washington’s interior scoring burden, mixing face-up drives with timely three-point shooting. Postgame reporting highlighted her ability to keep the Mystics competitive even as Connecticut concentrated its defense on Beard. (washingtonpost.com)
WNBA All-Star (2006)
Nikki Teasley
Starter/Star [1.1]
33.5
Medium [1.1]
10.0
5.0
4.0
0.5
47.19
Teasley controlled the tempo throughout the series, creating quality looks while absorbing heavy defensive pressure from Connecticut’s guards. Her steady playmaking remained one of Washington’s biggest strengths despite the team’s offensive inconsistency. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Nakia Sanford
Starter/Star [1.1]
30.0
Medium [1.1]
6.5
8.0
0.5
1.5
39.93
Sanford embraced the physical work inside, battling for offensive rebounds and defending bigger frontcourt matchups. Coaches consistently praised her willingness to fill the void left by injured teammates throughout the season, a role that continued into the playoffs. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Chasity Melvin
Starter/Star [1.1]
29.0
Medium [1.1]
5.5
7.5
0.0
0.0
31.94
Melvin focused on screening, rebounding and post defense against Connecticut’s experienced frontcourt. Although her offense was limited, she continued doing the physical work that Washington’s system depended upon. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Coco Miller
Bench [1.0]
19.0
Low [1.0]
8.0
3.0
1.0
0.5
25.00
Miller supplied valuable scoring punch off the bench and attacked confidently whenever Washington needed extra offense. Her energy helped stabilize reserve units during a tightly contested series. (washingtonpost.com)
None
Crystal Robinson
Bench [1.0]
18.5
Low [1.0]
4.0
2.0
4.5
0.0
21.00
Robinson’s veteran experience showed through her passing and defensive communication more than her scoring. She frequently acted as a secondary facilitator, helping organize the offense against Connecticut’s pressure defense.
None
Nikki Blue
Bench [1.0]
3.0
Low [1.0]
0.0
1.0
0.0
1.0
4.00
Blue saw only brief action during the series. Independent contemporary coverage discussing her playoff role was limited because her minutes were minimal.
None
Zane Tamane
Bench [1.0]
2.0
Low [1.0]
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.00
Tamane was used strictly as emergency frontcourt depth. Independent reporting on her postseason contributions was limited due to her very small role.
None
Laurie Koehn
Bench [1.0]
0.0
Low [1.0]
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.00
Koehn did not record meaningful playing time in the series. Independent contemporary coverage of her playoff role was limited.
None
TEAM TOTALS
—
—
—
63.0
42.5
18.5
9.5
307.66
Washington was eliminated by Connecticut in the 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals, with DeLisha Milton-Jones and Alana Beard carrying the offensive load while the Mystics relied on physical rebounding and half-court defense to keep the series competitive.
