With Aces no-shows, Mystics game canceled

Thibault critcizes Vegas, which cites travel woes

WASHINGTON — Friday night’s game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena was canceled, the WNBA announced.

An official statement from Aces players indicated health concerns compelled them to make the decision after the team did not make it to the District until Friday afternoon because of travel delays.

“We trust that you know the decision was not made lightly,” the statement read. “Given the travel issues we faced over the past two days — 25+ hours spent in airports and airplanes, in cramped quarters and having not slept in a bed since Wednesday night — and after consulting with our union, and medical professionals, we concluded that playing tonight’s game would put us at too great a risk for injury.”

The WNBA is reviewing the matter and won’t be making additional comment for at least 24 hours, according to a person familiar with the league’s thinking who spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the circumstances.

It’s the first time in WNBA history that a game was canceled, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Because the league used the word “canceled” in its official release, it appears highly unlikely, people familiar with the situation said, that the game would be rescheduled.

The Mystics almost certainly would protest a rescheduled game because not only were they prepared to play, but the Aces were in town, having landed at Reagan National Airport at about 2:20 p.m.

The Mystics instead held an autograph session for fans already in the arena when the cancellation was announced.

“I’m really disappointed that the Las Vegas players and organization didn’t come to compete,” Washington coach and general manager Mike Thibault said. “Every team I’ve been around in the WNBA or the NBA or the old CBA goes through this. College teams go through it, and you have an obligation to the fans who paid money to come watch you play. If you’re there and in the city and can play, you should show up and play.”