Connecticut Sun Outlast Indiana Fever in Gritty Showdown, Showcasing Veteran Poise Over Rising Stars

Expansion Team Hands Fever Costly Loss Behind Defensive Surge and Balanced Scoring The Golden State Valkyries continued to make waves in their inaugural WNBA season, using a dominant fourth-quarter surge to take down the Indiana Fever 88-77 on Thursday night at the Chase Center. The Fever, who led for most of the game and entered the final quarter ahead by four, were ultimately undone by poor shooting, defensive lapses, and a relentless Valkyries squad playing in front of their sixth consecutive sold-out home crowd. The win moves Golden State to 6-6 on the season, including a 4-2 record at home, while Indiana falls to 6-6 overall and 2-3 on the road. For the Fever, the loss underscores both the promise and volatility of a team still learning how to close out games in a highly competitive league. Fever Falter in Final Frame as Valkyries Seize Momentum Despite entering the fourth quarter with a 59-55 lead, the Fever were outscored 33-18 over the final 10 minutes as Golden State tightened their defense and found their rhythm offensively. The Valkyries opened the fourth with a 7-2 run that seized control of the momentum and never looked back. Kayla Thornton was instrumental for the home side, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds while hitting two crucial three-pointers in the closing stretch. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes contributed 14 points off the bench, adding five assists and providing valuable defensive pressure on Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The Valkyries also saw strong contributions from Monique Billings and Veronica Burton. Billings’ hustle on the boards led to second-chance points, including a critical basket off her own missed three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining. Burton, meanwhile, hit a go-ahead three-pointer early in the fourth and added another clutch basket in the final minute to help seal the win. Clark Struggles as Fever Offense Stalls Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and current All-Star vote leader, had one of the most challenging outings of her young career. She finished with 11 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds but shot just 3-for-14 from the field and missed all seven of her three-point attempts. It marked only the second time in Clark’s WNBA career that she failed to connect from beyond the arc. Despite her playmaking and rebounding, Clark struggled to find her offensive rhythm, largely due to Golden State’s physical perimeter defense and aggressive switching. Aliyah Boston provided a much-needed interior presence for Indiana, registering 17 points and 12 rebounds. Her efforts included a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first half, which gave the Fever a 44-38 lead at the break. Boston’s performance also moved her into second place in franchise history for double-doubles and fourth for blocks, underscoring her growing legacy as one of Indiana’s most consistent stars. Kelsey Mitchell added 16 points, but no other Fever player scored in double digits. The team’s shooting efficiency dipped significantly in the fourth quarter, and they failed to respond when the Valkyries ramped up their intensity. Coaching Absence and Missed Opportunities The Fever were without head coach Stephanie White for the second time this season due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Austin Kelly took the reins, as he did during Indiana’s previous win over Chicago. While the team maintained focus for most of the game, the absence of White’s in-game adjustments and leadership may have been felt most during the closing minutes when Indiana struggled to adapt to Golden State’s pressure. Turnovers and missed defensive assignments plagued the Fever late, as they failed to counter Golden State’s rapid ball movement and perimeter shooting. The Fever also lost the rebounding battle in key stretches, particularly after Golden State’s Monique Billings and Chloe Bibby crashed the glass aggressively during their fourth-quarter run. Valkyries Continue to Impress in Inaugural Season For an expansion team, Golden State has shown maturity beyond its years. Thursday’s win was not only a test of their resilience but also a showcase of their depth. With strong veteran leadership, steady coaching, and an enthusiastic home fanbase, the Valkyries are quickly establishing themselves as more than just a feel-good story. Rookie Kate Martin, Clark’s former Iowa teammate, also added to the narrative, contributing nine points and five rebounds off the bench. The two shared dinner the night before the game, but their on-court rivalry was anything but friendly once the lights came on. The Valkyries’ ability to maintain composure and execute down the stretch bodes well for their playoff aspirations, especially in a league where late-game performance often separates contenders from pretenders. Looking Ahead The Fever continue their road trip on Sunday as they face the Las Vegas Aces in a nationally televised matchup. With an even 6-6 record, Indiana will look to bounce back and regain footing in the playoff race. Golden State will remain at home and host the Connecticut Sun, riding the momentum of another crowd-pleasing win. As the WNBA’s newest team carves out its place in league history, performances like Thursday’s suggest they’re well on their way.

Balanced Attack and Monster Night from Alyssa Thomas Seal 89-81 Victory The Phoenix Mercury delivered a statement win on Thursday night at Barclays Center, toppling the New York Liberty 89-81 and ending the Liberty’s perfect home record for the 2025 WNBA season. With the Mercury surging in recent weeks, this road victory marks their fourth consecutive win and comes despite a lineup short on star power. Alyssa Thomas led the charge with a dominant all-around performance, registering 18 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Rookie Monique Akoa Makani added a career-high 21 points, offering the Mercury a spark on both ends of the court. The Mercury's ability to capitalize in the fourth quarter allowed them to close out a tight game that had remained within one possession at the end of the third. Liberty Falter Despite Stewart’s Big Night New York entered the contest riding high but saw momentum slip away after losing key contributors to injury. Already without Leonie Fiebich due to EuroBasket commitments, the Liberty suffered another blow when Jonquel Jones exited in the second quarter with an ankle injury. The team struggled to recover from the loss of their frontcourt anchor, particularly on the glass. Despite a stellar 35-point outing from Breanna Stewart, the Liberty struggled with consistency and ball control. New York committed 20 turnovers—including 14 in the first half alone—allowing Phoenix to capitalize with 19 points off mistakes. The Mercury also dominated the boards, finishing with a 42-32 advantage and converting 15 offensive rebounds into 26 second-chance points. Key Momentum Shifts and Standout Performers The game remained tight throughout the first half, with neither team able to create sustained separation. After an early 8-0 run by New York, Phoenix responded swiftly and kept the contest within reach. The Mercury eventually closed the first half on a 10-1 run, entering halftime with a narrow 41-38 lead. The third quarter showcased a duel between Stewart and Makani, each contributing 11 points during the frame. Stewart shouldered the scoring load for New York, but Phoenix’s depth and balance proved crucial. Thomas’ impact wasn’t limited to scoring, as she also helped slow New York’s offensive rhythm and pushed transition play with crisp outlet passes. In the final quarter, Phoenix pulled away behind timely plays from Satou Sabally and a key and-one bucket that regained the lead. With Thomas continuing to orchestrate on both ends and Phoenix's bench providing valuable minutes, the Mercury controlled the final stretch and silenced a raucous Brooklyn crowd. Mercury’s Quiet Contenders Make Noise Phoenix’s victory stands as a testament to their depth and evolving chemistry. With Kahleah Copper sidelined and Satou Sabally having an off night, contributions came from lesser-known names like Kathryn Westbeld and Kitija Laksa. Head coach Nate Tibbets' commitment to a positionless system has unlocked greater flexibility, and the Mercury now resemble a team capable of serious postseason disruption. Alyssa Thomas' emergence as a legitimate MVP contender adds another layer to Phoenix’s late-season surge. With no clear favorite for the award at this point, her string of double-doubles and veteran leadership make her a central figure in the league’s most competitive race. What Comes Next The Mercury’s hot streak continues as they improve their standing in the league with this win, especially meaningful given the absence of Copper and the difficulty of playing on the road. They’ll look to extend their winning streak in upcoming matchups and further establish themselves as a playoff threat. For the Liberty, regrouping quickly will be key. With injuries to manage and their first home loss behind them, they face pressure to tighten their offensive execution and rebounding fundamentals. A healthy return for Jonquel Jones will be critical to their ability to regain dominance down the stretch. This game may well serve as a turning point for both franchises: a rising Mercury team gaining national respect and a talented Liberty squad reminded of the cost of lapses in execution.

The New York Liberty orchestrated one of their most memorable performances of the season on Tuesday night, rallying from a staggering 17-point second-half deficit to defeat the Atlanta Dream, 86–81. It was a showcase of elite talent, resilience, and team-wide contributions, with Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart headlining a thrilling comeback inside the Barclays Center. Ionescu’s Back-to-Back 34-Point Performances Sabrina Ionescu delivered another electrifying performance, matching her season-high with 34 points — her second consecutive 34-point outing. The All-Star guard was lethal from all areas of the court, shooting 12-for-20 from the field and 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. She added key free throws in the final seconds to ice the game. It marks the first time in Ionescu’s WNBA career that she’s scored 30+ in back-to-back games — a testament to her evolving offensive arsenal. From step-back threes to crafty finishes at the rim, Ionescu gave the Dream defense fits all night long. “Sabrina’s a scorer in every sense of the word,” said Stewart postgame. “What she’s doing right now — scoring from three, getting downhill, drawing contact — it makes her so difficult to guard.” Stewart Dominates Late Game Stretch Breanna Stewart added 23 points, none more important than her back-to-back layups in the final minutes that gave New York a decisive 83–79 lead. She also contributed defensively, locking down Rhyne Howard in the second half, holding the Dream’s star to just 1-of-9 shooting after halftime. "Stewie stepped up in every way," said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. "She knew when to take over, and her leadership helped steer the comeback." Bench Energy Sparks the Rally While stars like Ionescu and Stewart carried the scoring, the spark came from the Liberty’s bench unit. Jaylyn Sherrod, Marine Johannès, and Nyara Sabally were instrumental in shifting momentum. Sherrod’s defensive pressure changed the tone of the third quarter, while Johannès’ hustle plays and rebounds kept New York within striking distance. Sabally — inserted into the starting lineup — brought intensity and hustle. Her key block and late-game jumper reminded fans of her game-saving efforts in last year’s playoffs. She finished with 8 points, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. “When someone like Jaylyn plays that hard, everyone else feeds off it,” Brondello added. “She and Nyara brought exactly what we needed at exactly the right time.” Dream Shine Early But Fade Late Atlanta entered the night shooting more threes than any team in the league, and they lived up to the billing early. Rookie Te-Hina Paopao lit it up in the first half, scoring all 16 of her points before the break, hitting 4-of-5 from deep. Allisha Gray added 14 points, while Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard each scored 13. The Dream looked poised to pull off a road win, taking a 64–47 lead midway through the third quarter — the largest deficit the Liberty have faced all season. But a scoring drought, foul trouble, and New York’s increased defensive pressure slowly unraveled Atlanta’s advantage. Turning Point and Final Minutes The comeback began late in the third quarter as New York closed on a 13–4 run. By the start of the fourth, the Liberty had trimmed the gap to single digits. Natasha Cloud, who has struggled offensively in recent games, provided timely contributions in the clutch. Her three-point play tied the game at 76 with under four minutes to play. Stewart then went to work, putting New York ahead for good. With 6.8 seconds left, Atlanta had a chance to tie the game, but Howard’s step-back three rimmed out. Ionescu sank two free throws with 2.2 seconds left to secure the win. The Bigger Picture The win improved the Liberty’s record to 10–1 and marked a strong finish to their Commissioner's Cup slate. However, due to a tiebreaker loss to Indiana, New York will miss the Cup final despite a 4–1 tournament record. “It’s frustrating,” Stewart admitted. “But at the same time, wins like this show the kind of team we are. We fight. We find ways to win.” With the playoffs on the horizon, New York’s ability to rally in the face of adversity could be their most dangerous weapon yet. Up Next The Liberty return to action Thursday night against the revamped Phoenix Mercury. With their confidence soaring and their depth shining, New York is beginning to look like the title contender fans envisioned.

The Seattle Storm delivered a resounding 98-67 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, marking their seventh win of the WNBA season and closing out their Commissioner’s Cup campaign in dominant fashion. The Sparks, severely undermanned without star Kelsey Plum, failed to match Seattle’s firepower and shot just 32% from the field in a game that slipped further out of reach with each quarter. Seattle’s Star Power Surges Seattle’s offensive arsenal was led by the ever-reliable Nneka Ogwumike, who erupted for 26 points on an efficient 12-of-16 shooting performance. She added five rebounds and two assists, and in doing so surpassed Tina Thompson to claim the fourth-most field goals made in WNBA history. Joining Ogwumike in the scoring spree were Erica Wheeler and Skylar Diggins, each contributing 15 points. Gabby Williams added a well-rounded performance with 11 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, but it was her defensive prowess that left the biggest impression—she set a new Storm franchise record with eight steals, just two shy of the league record. Sparks Show Early Signs of Life Despite the blowout, the Sparks actually jumped to a promising start, ignited by Shey Peddy’s three-pointer and a pair of triples from Sarah Ashlee Barker that gave L.A. an early 11-6 advantage. However, the Storm responded with a swift 5-0 run to even the score and then capped the first quarter with an 11-2 surge that gave them a 26-19 lead. That first-quarter burst from Seattle proved to be a trend. Diggins, Wheeler, and Ogwumike scored effortlessly and repeatedly, showing their veteran cohesion and exposing the cracks in L.A.’s defense. Second-Quarter Collapse The second quarter initially brought hope for the Sparks. Azurá Stevens completed a strong and-one play and helped cut the deficit to just two with a series of free throws. But Seattle answered back again, this time with three-point daggers from Gabby Williams and Skylar Diggins, pushing the lead back to five. The Sparks, despite flashes of effort from Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby, couldn’t keep pace. Seattle ended the half with another 5-0 run, stretching the lead to 47-37 by the break. Third Quarter: Seattle Pulls Away Seattle continued their dominance in the third quarter, capitalizing on their opponent’s lack of depth and energy. Ogwumike opened the frame by scoring through contact inside, and followed it with another quick basket. The Storm started the second half on a 12-5 run and led by as many as 26 points during the period. L.A.’s offense stagnated, with Hamby managing to put points on the board but with little impact on momentum. Rookie Sania Feagin did provide a brief highlight with an emphatic block, but overall, the Sparks struggled mightily from the floor, making just 32% of their shots. By the end of the third, Seattle was firmly in control, leading 75-53. Final Frame: A Formidable Finish The fourth quarter offered more of the same. Seattle's depth allowed them to keep pressure on the Sparks, and Lexie Brown added another three-pointer to hammer the point home. With just over three minutes remaining and the deficit still enormous, L.A. opted to rest key players Stevens and Hamby, conceding the contest. Key Takeaways The absence of Kelsey Plum was deeply felt as the Sparks lacked a floor general and scoring catalyst. Azurá Stevens led the Sparks with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Rickea Jackson added 17 points. However, the lack of cohesion and rhythm plagued the offense all night. With this loss, the Sparks fall to 4-9 on the season, and the outlook for the remainder of June appears bleak unless reinforcements return soon. Meanwhile, the Storm solidify themselves as legitimate contenders, thanks to veteran leadership, balanced scoring, and suffocating defense. Ogwumike’s milestone night further cements her legacy, while Williams’ defensive heroics highlight Seattle’s depth and versatility. What’s Next? The Sparks will look to bounce back on Saturday, when they travel to face the Minnesota Lynx at 3:00 PM PT. Reintegrating key rotation players will be critical if L.A. hopes to remain competitive in the weeks ahead. Seattle, now rolling with confidence, will aim to build on this win as they continue their push toward playoff positioning in the second half of the season.

The Minnesota Lynx overcame an early deficit and the loss of their MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier to claim a 76-62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night. The win clinched their spot in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup final where they will face the Indiana Fever on July 1. Early Struggles for Minnesota The game didn’t begin in Minnesota’s favor. The Aces came out hot, jumping to an 8-0 start and eventually taking a 39-30 lead into halftime. The first half was particularly challenging for the Lynx, who shot only 12-of-36 from the field and missed all of their first 11 three-point attempts. They finished with their lowest first-half scoring output of the season. The absence of A’ja Wilson continued to loom large for the Aces. Wilson, out for the third consecutive game due to concussion protocol, leads Las Vegas in points, rebounds, and assists. Despite her absence, the Aces performed admirably in the first half, capitalizing on Minnesota’s cold shooting. Collier’s Exit Sparks a Turnaround Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who entered the game averaging a league-leading 26.1 points per game, exited early in the third quarter due to a back injury. At that point, she had contributed seven points and six rebounds. Her absence could have devastated the team, but it instead galvanized them. Courtney Williams took command of the game, scoring 18 of her 20 points in the second half. She added five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a performance that showcased her versatility and leadership. Alanna Smith also stepped up with a crucial double-double: 10 points and 13 rebounds, helping control the boards in Collier’s absence. Bench Sparks the Comeback Minnesota’s bench proved critical in turning the tide. Diamond Miller and Natisha Hiedeman contributed 12 points apiece, combining for 24 of the Lynx’s 32 bench points. Their energy on both ends of the floor was instrumental in clawing back from the deficit. Miller, in particular, nailed two critical three-pointers to break Minnesota’s early slump from deep. The momentum shift became undeniable when Smith’s layup gave the Lynx their first lead at 45-43 with 4:14 left in the third quarter. From there, the Lynx never looked back, closing the quarter with a 26-13 scoring advantage and entering the fourth up 56-52. Aces Unravel in the Second Half The Aces collapsed under the pressure, committing 21 turnovers—many of which were unforced. Those miscues resulted in 27 points for the Lynx. Las Vegas managed just 23 points in the second half, a stark contrast to their dominant first two quarters. Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd tried to provide a spark for the Aces, with Loyd finishing with 12 points and Mitchell adding 10. But without Wilson anchoring their offense and defense, Las Vegas struggled to maintain rhythm and composure, especially under Minnesota’s increasing defensive pressure. Coach Becky Hammon expressed frustration after the game, noting, “It’s like a damn unicorn trying to get a full 40-minute game out of us.” Her concerns were reflected in the Aces’ third-quarter woes and continued inconsistency. Williams Leads Final Push With the Lynx holding a slim lead entering the fourth quarter, Courtney Williams ensured there would be no comeback for Las Vegas. She scored 11 points during a decisive 14-2 Minnesota run, highlighted by a floater and a three-pointer that extended the lead to 70-54. Though Las Vegas mounted a brief 8-1 push, the damage had already been done. Minnesota’s composure, crisp ball movement, and defensive tenacity sealed the 14-point win. Looking Ahead: Minnesota vs Indiana Fever The Lynx improved their regular season record to 11-1, solidifying their position as the WNBA’s top team. They now turn their attention to the Commissioner’s Cup final against the Indiana Fever on July 1. This matchup will feature emerging star Caitlin Clark, who led the Fever to the title game with a dominant 88-71 win over the Connecticut Sun. While the Commissioner’s Cup final doesn’t count in the regular season standings, it offers a financial bonus to participating players and carries midseason prestige. The Lynx, defending champions from 2024, will look to defend their crown at home. Final Thoughts Minnesota’s resilience was on full display in this win. Despite a dismal first half and losing their star player, they clawed back with grit, depth, and leadership. With contributions from nearly every player, and a game plan that adapted in real time, the Lynx proved why they remain the team to beat in the WNBA. Now, the countdown begins for a blockbuster Commissioner’s Cup final — one that promises to be both competitive and compelling.

ARLINGTON, Texas — June 17, 2025 — The Dallas Wings finally put an end to their seven-game losing streak and clinched their first home win of the season with a thrilling 80–71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries. Behind dominant performances from rookies and veterans alike, Dallas (2-11) showed poise, urgency, and a renewed energy that had been missing through much of the early WNBA season. A Fresh Starting Five Sparks Early Success For the first time all season, head coach Latricia Trammell rolled out a new starting five: Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Aziaha James, Myisha Hines-Allen, and NaLyssa Smith. The change paid immediate dividends. Dallas opened the game with stifling defense and hot shooting. Bueckers, the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, scored eight of her 20 points in the first quarter, and the Wings held the Valkyries to a season-low 16 points in the frame. Ogunbowale’s aggressive drives helped stretch the defense, while Smith battled for rebounds inside. That opening surge, driven by chemistry and communication, gave Dallas a critical edge they had failed to build in recent losses. Golden State Responds, But Wings Hold the Line Though Dallas built a nine-point lead early in the second quarter, Golden State fought back. The Valkyries went on a 13–2 run fueled by defensive pressure and efficient shooting. Veteran Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings anchored the Valkyries’ effort in the paint, while Tiffany Hayes hit a timely three to give her team a brief 34–33 lead. But Dallas answered with composure. Ogunbowale and Bueckers traded baskets and found Kaila Charles for back-to-back possessions, helping the Wings close the half on a 6–2 run and reclaim a 39–36 advantage heading into the break. Neck-and-Neck Third Quarter The third period featured six lead changes and four ties, as both teams ramped up intensity. The Wings’ second unit held their own, with Maddy Siegrist and Jaelyn Brown providing critical hustle plays and spacing. For the Valkyries, Billings continued to make her presence felt, finishing the night with 18 points and eight rebounds. Thornton added 17 points and three assists. Aziaha James hit a key three-pointer midway through the quarter, and Smith cleaned up second-chance opportunities under the rim. Still, the Valkyries wouldn’t go away, tying the game multiple times and entering the fourth quarter trailing by just one. Bueckers and Ogunbowale Close It Out With the score tied at 70 and under five minutes remaining, the Wings turned to their two stars. Ogunbowale drained a deep three from the wing, and Bueckers followed with a steal and coast-to-coast layup. Bueckers' defensive effort was as impressive as her offense—she recorded four steals, tying a career-high. Charles added a driving layup with under two minutes to go, and Ogunbowale iced the game with free throws. Golden State was held scoreless from the field in the final four minutes, with the Wings defense rotating seamlessly and forcing rushed shots. Key Contributors Across the Board Paige Bueckers: 20 points, 4 steals, 3 assists Arike Ogunbowale: 19 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds Kaila Charles: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals NaLyssa Smith: 7 points, 10 rebounds Aziaha James: 6 points, 4 rebounds Bueckers and Ogunbowale combined for 14 of the team’s final 18 points, but the supporting cast also made crucial plays that helped seal the win. Winning the Hustle Stats Despite shooting just 42% from the field, Dallas dominated second-chance points (20–6), points off turnovers (14–8), and fast break opportunities (14–6). They also outrebounded Golden State 39–28 and held the Valkyries to 29% shooting in the fourth quarter. The Wings committed only 10 turnovers compared to Golden State’s 17, showcasing improved decision-making and discipline in the halfcourt. Looking Ahead With their first home win under their belt, the Wings look to carry momentum into Friday night’s road matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Building off the chemistry shown in this game, Dallas hopes to continue tightening rotations and getting more out of their second unit. For Golden State, the loss serves as a learning opportunity. The Valkyries remain a dangerous team when they’re in rhythm, but late-game execution remains an area for improvement.

The Washington Mystics orchestrated a thrilling second-half comeback Tuesday night to defeat the Chicago Sky 79-72 at Wintrust Arena. Powered by an electrifying 32-point performance from veteran guard Brittney Sykes and crucial late-game plays by a young supporting cast, the Mystics overcame a 12-point halftime deficit in a game that showcased both grit and evolving team chemistry. A Tale of Two Halves Chicago opened the night with tremendous energy and execution, jumping out to a 44-32 halftime lead thanks to strong interior play and efficient ball movement. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, the rookie frontcourt duo for the Sky, dominated the paint early. Reese finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Cardoso chipped in 18 points and 10 boards of her own. The Sky shot 51% in the first half and forced 11 Washington turnovers, appearing in full control. But the Mystics came out of the locker room with renewed intensity and focus. The third quarter saw Washington double up Chicago 24-12, erasing the deficit and tying the game at 56-all heading into the final period. Sykes hit critical shots from all areas of the floor, including four three-pointers, and kept the pressure on the Sky’s backcourt throughout the second half. Veteran Leadership Meets Rising Youth While Sykes clearly stole the spotlight, the Mystics' supporting cast stepped up at just the right moments. Rookie Sonia Citron added 13 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in a performance that validated Washington’s offseason trade with Chicago that brought her to the nation’s capital. Kiki Iriafen was another standout, hitting a key basket late in the fourth quarter to extend the Mystics’ lead and secure the win. Citron, who nearly recorded a double-double, showcased her all-around game and poise under pressure. Her play was especially symbolic given that Chicago traded the pick used to draft her in exchange for Ariel Atkins. Ironically, Atkins, now with the Sky, had a solid game herself with 10 points, seven assists, and two steals, but the Mystics ultimately came out ahead in both the game and long-term asset value. Crunch Time Execution With just over two minutes left and the game tied at 70, Sykes completed a three-point play that gave the Mystics a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Then, with 37 seconds remaining, Sykes grabbed a pivotal offensive rebound and reset the possession. Her subsequent missed shot was rebounded by Iriafen, who scored inside to push the lead to five. The Sky couldn’t recover after that. A blocked shot by Shakira Austin and two free throws from Citron sealed the victory, improving Washington’s record to 5-7 and dropping Chicago to 3-8. It was yet another game in which the Sky's third-quarter woes proved too much to overcome despite promising stretches and individual excellence. Angel Reese Shines Despite Turnovers For Chicago, Angel Reese once again displayed the all-around skill set that has made her one of the league's most talked-about rookies. In addition to her double-double, she played stretches as a point forward, initiating offense and displaying improved court vision. However, she also recorded a game-high seven turnovers—part of the Sky’s 22 total giveaways—which contributed significantly to their unraveling. Still, her back-to-back “Player of the Game” honors from the Sky indicate her growing presence and importance on the team. As she continues to develop chemistry with Cardoso and adjusts to the pace of the WNBA, there’s little doubt that Reese will be a cornerstone in Chicago’s rebuilding plans. Looking Ahead The Sky will have a few days to regroup before facing the Phoenix Mercury at home on Saturday. That matchup will be another test of the team’s resilience and their ability to play consistent basketball over four quarters. Chicago will need to cut down on turnovers and maintain defensive intensity, especially in the second half, if they hope to climb back into playoff contention. As for the Mystics, Tuesday’s win was a glimpse of what this young team might become. With rookies like Citron and Iriafen continuing to grow and veterans like Sykes leading the charge, Washington appears to be building something special—balancing development and competitiveness in a league that rewards both.