Mystics' rookies aim to make impact vs. revamped Sun

After winning their season opener at home, the Washington Mystics will visit the new-look Connecticut Sun for that team's season opener on Sunday afternoon in Uncasville, Conn.

Both teams have undergone significant change since last season, when the Sun fell to the Minnesota Lynx in the league semifinals while the Mystics missed the playoffs altogether.

Washington (1-0) rebuilt its roster around a trio of first-round draft picks.

Despite point guard Georgia Amoore being out with an ACL injury, the other two top picks enjoyed blazing debuts in the Mystics' 94-90 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Friday.

Third overall pick Sonia Citron scored 19 points in an efficient performance, shooting 6-for-7 from the field.

Fourth pick Kiki Iriafen added 14 points and four rebounds for Washington, which erupted for 53 points in the second half.

"They're so open to wanting to get better and they're so open to their teammates," Mystics coach Sydney Johnson said of his star rookies. "Usually, when you give yourself that way, you get a lot back. That's what we saw tonight and hopefully, we'll see more of it."

Veteran Brittney Sykes added 22 points and five assists.

Connecticut opens with a retooled squad off a 28-12 season last year. The Sun parted ways with five of their six double-digit scorers from a season ago, with guard Marina Mabrey (14.9 points per game) the only returnee from that group.

Veteran Tina Charles (14.9 points 9.6 rebounds per game last year with Atlanta) is one of the familiar veteran faces.

Connecticut has its own outstanding rookie duo, however both seventh overall draft pick Aneesah Morrow and eighth pick Saniya Rivers are listed as game-time decisions. Morrow is coming back from a knee injury, while Rivers missed both preseason games after her mother's recent death.

It's not just rookie players who are making a fresh start with the Sun. New Connecticut head coach Rachid Meziane has spent his coaching career in France, his native country.

"The transition was very, very good, because I have a lot of good people around me who are helping me adjust," Meziane said. "I know that it's a big challenge for me ... but I am ready to face the challenge."

--Field Level Media