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Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Gives Mystics Immediate Veteran Lift in Debut
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- Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Gives Mystics Immediate Veteran Lift in Debut
(Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images)
Four days after the Washington Mystics claimed Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers, she played 14 minutes in Tuesday night's 86-76 loss on the road against the Las Vegas Aces . Laney-Hamilton finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.
Both of her field goals came from behind the arc. Laney-Hamilton went 2-of-4 from the field and 2-of-4 from three.
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Laney-Hamilton made her second 3-pointer with 4:00 left, bringing Washington within 75-68. The teams play again Thursday in Las Vegas .
Laney-Hamilton Settles In With Mystics
New York waived Laney-Hamilton on Thursday after the trade deadline passed without a deal. Washington claimed her Saturday.
The Mystics waived guard Rori Harmon in the corresponding transaction and hope to bring her back on a developmental contract.
Mystics coach Sydney Johnson said Laney-Hamilton looked more comfortable as the game went along.
"Yeah, I really liked what I saw," Johnson said. "You could see a little bit of rust early, and then she got into the groove in terms of what we're trying to do defensively. Really did a nice job of executing offensively in terms of the plays that we've thrown at her. She really picked up on those.
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"She's got a really good feel for the game," Johnson continued. "There are some crafty things there that she was doing on offense and defense that just showed up from her 10-plus years — or 10 years — of experience."
Washington is the sixth franchise of Laney-Hamilton's WNBA career.
She entered the league in 2015 and previously played for Chicago , Connecticut , Indiana , Atlanta , and New York. Before that, she spent four seasons at Rutgers.
Laney-Hamilton won Most Improved Player with Atlanta in 2020 and made the All-Defensive Team that season. She signed with New York the following year and earned her only All-Star selection in 2021.
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She later started all 11 games during the Liberty's 2024 postseason run to the franchise's first championship. Laney-Hamilton scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting in Game 2 of the Finals.
She underwent left knee surgery after the season to repair a meniscus injury.
Laney-Hamilton played 17 games for New York this season, starting 5. She averaged 4.7 points in 16.8 minutes per game.
Mystics See Value Beyond the Box Score
Laney-Hamilton has already gotten on Cotie McMahon about taking open shots.
"I would say, honestly, she came in as if this is her squad. She's adjusting really well," McMahon said. "I mean, she's a vet, so the IQ is already there.
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"She's just instilling even more confidence in me," McMahon continued. "I mean, she's gotten on me multiple times to shoot the ball when I'm open, and just certain things like that. So it's a great — she's a great addition. We definitely love having her."
Mystics president Michael Winger told ESPN that Washington did not want to disrupt its chemistry at the trade deadline. The opportunity to add a veteran such as Laney-Hamilton came afterward.
Washington is in the second year of a rebuild and has made six first-round selections over the past two drafts. The Mystics enter Thursday at 19-13.
Tuesday ended a seven-game Washington winning streak. The Mystics had not lost since July 18 at Golden State and are trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
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Shakira Austin led Washington with 20 points and 8 rebounds Tuesday. Sonia Citron scored 19. Kiki Iriafen had 15 points and 13 rebounds. A'ja Wilson also grabbed 13 rebounds for Las Vegas.
Johnson also found late minutes for Angela Dugalić and Lauren Betts. Dugalic scored 5 points in 1:05, making her only field goal and only 3-point attempt. Betts had 4 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes.
Johnson said Washington has continued to get contributions throughout the roster.
"Just elated. Just really elated with what we're seeing from our players all the way through the roster," Johnson said. "And so Angela is a stretch post player, and she's had a really slow start making threes, but you can see there that she's still believing and putting the work in.
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"Was wanting to get her and Lauren some minutes there," Johnson continued. "So obviously Lauren has been playing consistently — have not forgotten Angela. And even though it was very much at the end, was really pleased with the attention to detail that she had on both ends of the court."
Washington stays in Las Vegas for Thursday night's rematch with the Aces. It will be Laney-Hamilton's second game with the Mystics.
