Last Updated on August 31, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Washington Mystics 2022 featured a balanced offense led by Elena Delle Donne’s efficient scoring, while Natasha Cloud controlled the attack as the primary playmaker and Ariel Atkins supplied consistent perimeter scoring. Myisha Hines-Allen and Shakira Austin strengthened the frontcourt with rebounding and interior production, giving the team a well-rounded foundation. Washington combined efficient shooting, solid ball movement, and dependable defense, with contributions spread across multiple key players rather than relying on a single offensive focal point.
Roster
| NO. | PLAYER NAME | POS. | HT. | WT. | BIRTH DATE | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Shakira Austin | C | 6-5 | 200 | July 25, 2000 | Maryland, Ole Miss |
| 1 | Elizabeth Williams | C-F | 6-3 | 200 | June 23, 1993 | Duke |
| 2 | Myisha Hines-Allen | F | 6-2 | 200 | May 30, 1995 | Louisville |
| 4 | Evina Westbrook | G | 6-0 | 158 | September 28, 1998 | Tennessee, UConn |
| 7 | Ariel Atkins | G | 5-10 | 167 | July 30, 1996 | Texas |
| 9 | Natasha Cloud | G | 5-10 | 160 | February 22, 1992 | Maryland, Saint Joseph’s |
| 11 | Elena Delle Donne | F-G | 6-5 | 187 | September 5, 1989 | University of Delaware |
| 13 | Rui Machida | G | 5-4 | 126 | March 8, 1993 | — |
| 14 | Katie Benzan | G | 5-6 | 130 | May 16, 1998 | Harvard University, Maryland |
| 21 | Tianna Hawkins | F | 6-3 | 186 | March 2, 1991 | Maryland |
| 22 | Alysha Clark | F | 5-11 | 167 | July 7, 1987 | Middle Tennessee |
| 23 | Jazmine Jones | G | 6-0 | 160 | October 15, 1996 | Louisville |
| 24 | Stephanie Jones | F | 6-2 | 185 | July 10, 1998 | Maryland |
| 25 | Kennedy Burke | G-F | 6-1 | 199 | February 14, 1997 | UCLA |
| 32 | Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | G | 5-9 | 140 | May 18, 1995 | Maryland |
Regular Season Per Game
| Player | POS | AGE | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariel Atkins | — | 25 | 36 | 36 | 30.0 | 14.6 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 12.2 | 5.1 | .420 | 5.3 | 1.9 | .365 | 2.9 | 2.4 | .845 |
| Elena Delle Donne | — | 32 | 25 | 25 | 27.8 | 17.2 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 12.9 | 6.2 | .480 | 3.8 | 1.4 | .368 | 3.7 | 3.4 | .913 |
| Natasha Cloud | — | 30 | 34 | 34 | 31.3 | 10.7 | 3.6 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 9.1 | 3.6 | .399 | 4.0 | 1.3 | .319 | 2.7 | 2.2 | .824 |
| Shakira Austin | — | 21 | 36 | 32 | 21.6 | 8.7 | 6.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 6.2 | 3.4 | .547 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 3.0 | 1.9 | .624 |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | — | 27 | 34 | 15 | 19.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 8.1 | 3.4 | .415 | 2.3 | 0.9 | .367 | 1.9 | 1.3 | .703 |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | — | 27 | 35 | 3 | 20.1 | 6.9 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 5.7 | 2.3 | .402 | 2.1 | 0.7 | .347 | 1.7 | 1.6 | .902 |
| Alysha Clark | — | 34 | 29 | 29 | 26.4 | 8.0 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 6.8 | 3.1 | .464 | 3.4 | 1.0 | .303 | 0.8 | 0.7 | .913 |
| Elizabeth Williams | — | 29 | 30 | 0 | 14.9 | 5.4 | 3.8 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 4.7 | 2.3 | .482 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 0.8 | .581 | |
| Tianna Hawkins | — | 31 | 25 | 0 | 12.8 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 4.6 | 1.8 | .386 | 2.1 | 0.6 | .264 | 0.8 | 0.8 | .952 |
| Kennedy Burke | — | 25 | 16 | 4 | 13.9 | 5.4 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 4.6 | 2.1 | .446 | 2.0 | 0.7 | .344 | 1.1 | 0.6 | .588 |
| Rui Machida | — | 29 | 36 | 2 | 12.9 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | .310 | 0.9 | 0.2 | .206 | 0.3 | 0.2 | .667 |
| Evina Westbrook | — | 23 | 6 | 0 | 5.3 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | .667 | 1.0 | 0.5 | .500 | 1.0 | 0.8 | .833 |
| Katie Benzan | — | 24 | 3 | 0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 3.0 | 1.7 | .556 | 2.3 | 1.7 | .714 | 1.3 | 1.0 | .750 |
| Stephanie Jones | — | 23 | 3 | 0 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 1.0 | .429 | 0.7 | 0.3 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jazmine Jones | — | 25 | 1 | 0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Playoff Per Game
| Player | POS | AGE | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elena Delle Donne | — | 32 | 2 | 2 | 33.0 | 19.0 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 15.5 | 8.0 | .516 | 4.5 | 0.5 | .111 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.000 |
| Natasha Cloud | — | 30 | 2 | 2 | 35.5 | 18.5 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 13.0 | 6.5 | .500 | 5.0 | 3.5 | .700 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.000 |
| Ariel Atkins | — | 25 | 2 | 2 | 33.0 | 15.5 | 1.5 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 14.5 | 5.5 | .379 | 7.0 | 3.5 | .500 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.000 |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | — | 27 | 2 | 0 | 20.5 | 7.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 4.5 | 2.5 | .556 | 3.0 | 1.5 | .500 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.000 |
| Shakira Austin | — | 21 | 2 | 2 | 27.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 6.5 | 3.0 | .462 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | .500 | |
| Alysha Clark | — | 34 | 2 | 2 | 25.5 | 6.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 2.0 | .571 | 2.0 | 1.0 | .500 | 1.5 | 1.0 | .667 |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | — | 27 | 2 | 0 | 14.5 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.5 | 1.0 | .182 | 0.5 | 0.0 | .000 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.000 |
| Rui Machida | — | 29 | 2 | 0 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 | .667 | 1.0 | 0.5 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Elizabeth Williams | — | 29 | 2 | 0 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | .250 |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Regular Season Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elena Delle Donne | Starter/Star | 27.8 | High | 17.2 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 72.86 | Washington carefully managed Delle Donne’s workload, but whenever she was available the offense revolved around her elite shot creation from the elbows and mid-post. Her efficient scoring and veteran decision-making gave the Mystics a reliable half-court anchor despite limited minutes. (Axios) | WNBA All-Star (2022), All-WNBA First Team (2022), Comeback Player of the Year (2022) |
| Ariel Atkins | Starter/Star | 30.0 | High | 14.6 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 57.02 | Atkins embraced the toughest defensive matchups every night while also becoming Washington’s primary perimeter scorer. Coaches and media regularly highlighted her ability to pressure the ball without sacrificing offensive aggression, making her indispensable on both ends. (Washington Mystics) | WNBA All-Star (2022), WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2022) |
| Natasha Cloud | Starter/Star | 31.3 | Medium | 10.7 | 3.6 | 7.0 | 1.3 | 54.69 | Cloud dictated Washington’s tempo with constant pick-and-roll creation and vocal leadership. Her playmaking remained the engine of the offense, while her on-ball defense earned league-wide recognition as one of the WNBA’s premier defensive guards. (Washington Mystics) | WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2022) |
| Shakira Austin | Starter/Star | 21.6 | Medium | 8.7 | 6.4 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 42.35 | The rookie center quickly earned a major role because of her mobility, rim protection and finishing around the basket. Analysts frequently viewed her as one of Washington’s foundational young players thanks to her defensive upside and interior presence. (Axios) | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022) |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | Key Contributor | 19.3 | Medium | 8.9 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 39.19 | Hines-Allen shifted comfortably between forward spots, giving the Mystics valuable lineup flexibility. Her willingness to defend bigger players and move the ball helped stabilize second units even as her offensive usage declined from previous seasons. | None |
| Alysha Clark | Starter/Star | 26.4 | Medium | 8.0 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 38.24 | Clark filled the classic glue-player role, spacing the floor while routinely guarding multiple positions. Her experience and defensive communication were repeatedly cited as important reasons Washington remained one of the league’s strongest defensive teams. | None |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | Key Contributor | 20.1 | Low | 6.9 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 24.78 | Walker-Kimbrough supplied instant offense off the bench, attacking closeouts and knocking down timely perimeter shots. Her energy allowed Washington’s wing rotation to maintain pressure when the starters rested. | None |
| Elizabeth Williams | Bench | 14.9 | Low | 5.4 | 3.8 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 21.80 | Williams carved out a reserve role built around interior defense, rebounding and screen setting. Individual season-specific coverage was limited, but her veteran presence strengthened Washington’s frontcourt depth. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Kennedy Burke | Bench | 13.9 | Low | 5.4 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 18.60 | Burke provided athletic wing depth and defensive versatility whenever called upon. Independent reporting on her individual season was limited because she moved in and out of the rotation. | None |
| Tianna Hawkins | Bench | 12.8 | Low | 4.9 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 17.20 | Hawkins continued serving as a stretch forward capable of opening driving lanes for Washington’s guards. Contemporary player-specific coverage was limited, with most discussion focusing on her dependable veteran role. | None |
| Katie Benzan | Bench | 9.0 | Low | 6.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 14.60 | Benzan’s brief appearances showcased the perimeter shooting that defined her college career. Independent reporting on her professional season was limited because of her short stay with the club. | None |
| Rui Machida | Bench | 12.9 | Low | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 12.00 | Machida’s quick decision-making and passing helped organize reserve units, even though her scoring remained limited. Coverage often focused on her transition from international basketball to the WNBA. | None |
| Evina Westbrook | Bench | 5.3 | Low | 3.3 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 8.60 | Westbrook saw only limited opportunities after joining the roster late in the year. Independent contemporary reporting on her role was sparse because of her brief appearances. | None |
| Stephanie Jones | Bench | 6.3 | Low | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 7.20 | Jones was used sparingly as developmental frontcourt depth. Independent season-specific coverage was limited beyond roster transaction reports. | None |
| Jazmine Jones | Bench | 3.0 | Low | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.00 | Jones appeared only once before injuries ended her season. Contemporary independent reporting on her Washington stint was extremely limited because of the brief sample. | None |
| Washington Mystics Totals | — | 275.3 | — | 108.9 | 43.5 | 26.4 | 13.7 | 453.11 | Washington paired one of the WNBA’s best defensive backcourts with the return of Elena Delle Donne and the emergence of rookie Shakira Austin, finishing with a winning record before falling in the opening round of the 2022 playoffs. | WNBA Playoff Appearance (2022) |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Playoff Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elena Delle Donne | Starter/Star | 33.0 | High | 19.0 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 73.92 | Washington leaned on Delle Donne as its primary half-court creator, but Seattle repeatedly sent extra defenders to force the ball out of her hands. She still found ways to score efficiently and create for teammates despite constant defensive pressure throughout the series. (washingtonpost.com) | WNBA All-Star (2022), All-WNBA First Team (2022), Comeback Player of the Year (2022) |
| Natasha Cloud | Starter/Star | 35.5 | High | 18.5 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 77.09 | Seattle dared Cloud to become a scorer instead of a facilitator, and she answered with the most aggressive offensive stretch of the series. Her downhill attacks and improved perimeter shooting were repeatedly highlighted as the key adjustment that nearly swung the matchup. | WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2022) |
| Ariel Atkins | Starter/Star | 33.0 | High | 15.5 | 1.5 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 60.19 | Atkins balanced difficult defensive assignments with expanded playmaking responsibilities, often acting as Washington’s secondary ball-handler. Even while battling Seattle’s physical perimeter defense, she continued generating quality looks for herself and teammates. (washingtonpost.com) | WNBA All-Star (2022), WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2022) |
| Shakira Austin | Starter/Star | 27.0 | Medium | 7.0 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 41.14 | The rookie center provided energy around the rim with offensive rebounding and interior defense, showing flashes of the mobility that made her an All-Rookie selection. Seattle’s veteran frontcourt challenged her, but she remained active throughout the series. | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022) |
| Alysha Clark | Starter/Star | 25.5 | Medium | 6.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 35.82 | Clark filled the connective role Washington expected, defending multiple positions while keeping the offense moving with smart cuts and timely passes. Her experience was evident in a playoff series that often came down to small execution details. | None |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | Key Contributor | 20.5 | Low | 7.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 19.95 | Walker-Kimbrough supplied valuable scoring punch off the bench, attacking quickly when Seattle focused on Washington’s stars. Her offensive spark was one of the brighter performances from the Mystics’ second unit. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | Key Contributor | 14.5 | Low | 5.0 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 24.15 | Hines-Allen shifted into a complementary reserve role, giving Washington rebounding and defensive versatility even though her shot never consistently fell. Her willingness to fill multiple assignments remained important in limited minutes. (washingtonpost.com) | None |
| Elizabeth Williams | Bench | 5.5 | Low | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 8.00 | Williams was used briefly as an interior defensive option against Seattle’s size. Independent game-specific reporting on her individual contributions was limited because of her restricted role in the rotation. | None |
| Rui Machida | Bench | 5.5 | Low | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 7.00 | Machida saw only short stretches as a reserve guard, helping organize possessions when called upon. Contemporary playoff coverage of her individual role was limited due to her minimal minutes. | None |
| Washington Mystics Totals | — | 199.5 | — | 81.5 | 25.5 | 21.0 | 10.5 | 347.26 | Washington pushed Seattle in a competitive first-round series, but the Storm’s defensive adjustments and late-game execution produced a two-game sweep despite standout efforts from Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud. | WNBA Playoff Appearance (2022) |