The Mystics got off to a disastrous start this season, but they've fought their way back into the playoff hunt. Last night, they climbed another step upward with a win over Houston.

The game was a microcosm of the season so far: terrible start, emotional unraveling, then a renewed focus and turnaround.

Washington is four games below .500 but only a game and a half behind fourth place Connecticut. Houston, by contrast, is now five games out, their season all but over. Will they start tanking too?