Dream Ride Dominant Paint Attack to Defeat Liberty 90–81

MINNEAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever turned a night without their All-Star point guard into one of the most memorable wins in franchise history. On Tuesday, they captured their first Commissioner’s Cup championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74–59 with a defensive effort that choked the life out of the defending champions.  This marked a statement performance for a Fever squad that has embraced the challenge of proving it belongs among the league’s elite. The win capped a 5–0 Commissioner’s Cup stretch and earned Indiana a $500,000 prize pool, validating the progress of a young roster that has spent the season battling injuries and roster turnover. Minnesota Starts Strong but Can’t Sustain Momentum The game began as if it might follow a familiar script. The Lynx, boasting the WNBA’s best record entering the contest, surged to an early double-digit lead. Alanna Smith buried a three-pointer and converted an acrobatic layup during a 12–0 run that vaulted Minnesota ahead 18–9. By the start of the second quarter, the Lynx had extended their lead to 27–14 after Jessica Shepard’s layup. But from that point forward, Minnesota’s offense unraveled. The Fever defense shifted into gear, limiting the Lynx to rushed shots and stalling their half-court sets. Indiana closed the second quarter with an 18–0 run, flipping the deficit into a five-point halftime lead that stunned the Target Center crowd. Minnesota went scoreless for the final 8 minutes of the first half, missing all 10 of their field goal attempts over that stretch. The Lynx never fully recovered. Howard Leads the Charge on Both Ends Without Caitlin Clark, sidelined for a third straight game due to a groin injury, Indiana turned to its veteran frontcourt to anchor the attack. Natasha Howard delivered one of her best performances of the season, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Her defensive versatility proved critical, as she held Lynx All-Star Napheesa Collier to just 12 points on 6-for-18 shooting. Aliyah Boston controlled the glass and operated as the playmaking hub in the paint. The All-Star center tallied her own double-double, contributing 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Boston and Howard repeatedly collapsed Minnesota’s interior defense with decisive moves and timely passes to open shooters. Balanced Contributions Keep Fever Rolling Indiana’s depth was on display throughout the night. Sophie Cunningham came off the bench and provided timely scoring, knocking down three of her five three-point attempts and finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds. Aari McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell added 12 points each, combining speed and composure to keep Minnesota from mounting a serious comeback. Though Indiana shot just 40.5% from the field, they compensated by dominating second-chance points and forcing turnovers that turned into transition opportunities. Perhaps the most remarkable element was how the Fever imposed their tempo without their primary playmaker. Indiana’s backcourt limited mistakes and controlled the flow of possessions despite Clark’s absence. Minnesota Struggles to Find Answers The Lynx were limited to just 34.9% shooting from the floor and hit only four three-pointers, well below their season average. Courtney Williams added 11 points but committed six turnovers as the Fever’s perimeter defense disrupted passing lanes and pressured ballhandlers into mistakes. Even when Minnesota trimmed the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, Indiana had an answer. Cunningham’s final three-pointer with just under five minutes remaining stretched the lead back to double figures and effectively ended the Lynx’s hopes of a late rally. For Minnesota, it was their first home loss of the season and a reminder of the challenges that await in a league with no shortage of hungry challengers. A Milestone for Indiana’s Growth The Commissioner’s Cup doesn’t impact the regular season standings, but for Indiana, the championship represents validation of their rebuild. After finishing near the bottom of the standings in recent seasons, the Fever have developed a culture that values defensive effort, resilience, and trust in one another. Makayla Timpson, the team’s 22-year-old rookie, has also started to carve out a role. Though she played limited minutes in the Cup final, Timpson has earned praise from the coaching staff and veteran teammates for her hustle and willingness to battle on the boards. Looking Ahead The Fever now turn their attention back to the regular season, where they will begin a five-game homestand against Las Vegas on Thursday. Clark’s status remains day-to-day, and the team will continue monitoring her recovery closely. For Minnesota, the loss offers a chance to regroup and sharpen execution before the playoff push intensifies. With the depth and experience still intact, the Lynx remain a formidable threat in the postseason picture. Tuesday night, however, belonged entirely to Indiana. From the decisive second-quarter turnaround to the closing minutes when the lead never slipped away, the Fever showed they are no longer just building for the future. They are here to win now.

LAS VEGAS — Even without their leading scorer and a key rotation guard, the Washington Mystics turned in one of their most impressive performances of the season Thursday night, taking down the Las Vegas Aces 94–83 for their third straight win. The victory showcased a deep and balanced offensive attack and marked the first time Washington has won three consecutive games this year. Mystics Bench Sparks Early Momentum The Mystics arrived in Las Vegas facing adversity before the opening tip. Guard Brittney Sykes remained sidelined with a lower leg injury for the second consecutive game, and Jade Melbourne exited the contest in the first quarter after taking a hit to the face. But Washington’s reserves delivered a lift that set the tone early. Rookie Lucy Olsen, normally a reserve, was thrust into extended action and responded with a confident performance. She poured in 14 points in 37 minutes — both career highs — while connecting on three three-pointers. Olsen scored eight quick points in the opening quarter, providing instant energy that propelled Washington to an early lead. Sonia Citron picked up the scoring load as the game progressed, knocking down shots from the perimeter and applying pressure inside. Citron, playing in her first WNBA season, continued to build an early Rookie of the Year case with 21 points, her second 20-point outing in the past three games. First-Half Control and Defensive Intensity The Aces responded with their own surge behind Jackie Young’s hot shooting. Young tallied 13 first-quarter points to keep Las Vegas within striking distance. But Washington’s offense remained steady, finishing the opening period ahead 29–25. In the second quarter, Citron and Sug Sutton helped Washington extend the lead by combining for multiple scores and three-pointers. Washington’s defense also played a critical role, forcing six first-half turnovers and converting them into 11 points. The Mystics closed the half with a nine-point advantage, heading into the locker room up 53–44. A Third-Quarter Breakaway Coming out of halftime, the Mystics were determined to seize control. A 9–0 run to open the third quarter widened the lead into double digits, and the margin grew to as many as 22 after Sutton drilled a three-pointer late in the period. Sutton enjoyed her best performance of the season, finishing with 17 points, five assists, and three three-pointers. She controlled the pace of the offense and delivered timely scoring when Las Vegas tried to rally. Shakira Austin continued her consistent stretch with her second double-double of the year, adding 13 points and 13 rebounds. Her nine defensive boards were a season-high, and she has now tallied 10+ points and at least five rebounds in four straight outings. Kiki Iriafen contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, showcasing the frontcourt depth that has become a hallmark for Washington during this winning stretch. Aces’ Late Push Comes Up Short Facing a 79–57 deficit late in the third, the Aces found life early in the fourth. Las Vegas opened the final quarter with a 9–0 run to trim the margin to single digits. A jumper by Chelsea Gray cut the deficit to seven, creating tense moments for Washington down the stretch. But the Mystics refused to fold. Citron converted free throws and stayed aggressive off the dribble. Austin delivered a critical offensive rebound and putback in the final two minutes that restored a comfortable cushion. Washington’s defense closed out possessions and prevented Las Vegas from completing the comeback. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 22 points and anchored their scoring efforts throughout, while Gray and Young each contributed 13 points. Jewell Loyd added 11, but Las Vegas struggled to generate consistent three-point shooting, going 6-for-23 from deep compared to Washington’s 10-for-19. Team Balance and Season Context Washington finished the game with five players scoring in double figures and every player who saw action recording at least one basket in the first half. Their outside shooting was a difference-maker, as they surpassed their season average in made threes by nearly double. With the victory, the Mystics improved to an even 8–8, finding momentum after a stretch of injuries and lineup changes. The Aces fell to 7–8 and will look to regroup as the season moves toward its midpoint. What Comes Next The Mystics continue their road swing Saturday night in Texas against the Dallas Wings, looking to build on their three-game surge. The Aces, meanwhile, return home to face the Atlanta Dream in an effort to regain consistency and stay in the playoff picture. The contest in Las Vegas was a reminder of Washington’s resilience and the impact of young contributors stepping into expanded roles — a promising sign for a team determined to stay competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference.

NDIANAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Sparks mounted an emphatic comeback Thursday night, overwhelming the Indiana Fever with a 35-point fourth quarter to secure an 85–75 victory. With a blend of veteran composure and timely scoring, the Sparks snapped a four-game losing streak while the Fever struggled to close without star rookie Caitlin Clark. Sparks Flip the Script Late The Fever, who entered the night riding momentum from a high-scoring win against New York, led for most of the game. Their defense forced 15 first-half turnovers, creating transition opportunities that helped them build a 34–30 halftime advantage. Even in Clark’s absence due to a groin injury, Indiana appeared poised to keep the Sparks at bay behind steady performances from Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. Through three quarters, Indiana’s active hands and solid rebounding limited Los Angeles to stretches of inefficient offense. The Fever pushed their lead to eight midway through the third, powered by Mitchell’s perimeter shooting and Boston’s presence in the paint. But the Sparks methodically chipped away, cutting the deficit to two as the fourth quarter began. In the final 10 minutes, Los Angeles finally found its rhythm. Azurá Stevens took over, pouring in 14 of her game-high 23 points in the fourth. Kelsey Plum contributed 21 points and a game-best six assists, guiding the Sparks’ ball movement during decisive possessions. With the game tied at 66, Plum buried a three-pointer that gave Los Angeles its first lead since early in the second quarter. From there, the Sparks never looked back. Indiana Fades Down the Stretch Despite holding the Sparks in check for three quarters, the Fever faltered under late-game pressure. Los Angeles shot a blistering 78% in the fourth and did not commit a single turnover in the period. That offensive efficiency, combined with Indiana’s cold shooting, flipped the outcome in a matter of minutes. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points, extending her streak of double-digit scoring games to 15. Boston tallied her seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high five steals. Aari McDonald, making her first appearance since rejoining the team on a hardship contract, added 14 points and injected energy into Indiana’s backcourt rotation. While the Fever maintained a slim lead for most of the night, the offense unraveled in the fourth, producing only 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting. Missed opportunities in the paint and struggles creating quality looks without Clark left Indiana unable to keep pace once Los Angeles pulled ahead. Contributions Across the Sparks’ Lineup Beyond Stevens and Plum, the Sparks received key efforts from several veterans. Dearica Hamby contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while Rickea Jackson matched Hamby’s scoring total and posted a plus-18 rating in her 28 minutes. The balanced production proved critical as Los Angeles relied on multiple scoring options to erase Indiana’s lead. Shey Peddy and Kia Nurse also chipped in, combining for timely shot-making that helped ignite the fourth-quarter surge. Stevens capped the decisive sequence with an offensive rebound and a three-point play, pushing the lead to six with under a minute remaining. That final stretch sealed the win and marked the Sparks’ most efficient offensive quarter of the season. Statistical Snapshot Los Angeles shot 50% from the field overall and 42% from beyond the arc, finishing with 19 assists to Indiana’s 13. The Sparks controlled the glass in critical moments, tallying 10 offensive rebounds and converting second-chance opportunities into momentum-swinging baskets. Indiana finished at 36% shooting and committed 18 turnovers that the Sparks converted into 25 points. For Los Angeles, the victory also improved their all-time record against the Fever to 40–16, reinforcing their historical dominance in the matchup. What Lies Ahead The Fever, now 7–8 on the season, face little time to regroup as they travel to Dallas for a back-to-back clash against the Wings. With Clark still recovering, Indiana will again lean on Mitchell, Boston, and McDonald to generate offense and stabilize a young roster still learning to close tight games. Meanwhile, the Sparks (5–11) will look to build on this breakthrough performance and continue climbing the standings. Their resilience in the fourth quarter underscored the depth and experience that could be pivotal as the season progresses. Thursday’s contest was a reminder that in the WNBA, leads can vanish in an instant—and teams with seasoned scorers and poise in critical moments often emerge victorious.

In a thrilling Wednesday night showdown at Chase Center in San Francisco, the New York Liberty held off a late comeback by the Golden State Valkyries to escape with a narrow 81–78 victory. The game was a test of resilience, as both teams battled fatigue, absences, and high stakes in front of a sold-out crowd. Liberty Cling to Victory in Tight Fourth Quarter The Liberty came into the game looking to bounce back from a rocky stretch in their four-game road trip. After starting the season undefeated with a 9-0 record, New York had lost three of their last four games. However, their tenacity showed on the court as they fought to protect their standing at the top of the Eastern Conference. WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart led the charge for the Liberty with 23 points and 10 rebounds, displaying her usual mix of scoring ability and leadership. Kennedy Burke stepped up with a much-needed 20-point performance off the bench, helping compensate for the absence of key starters due to injuries and international commitments. Sabrina Ionescu, returning from a neck injury, struggled from the field, going just 1-for-11 overall. Yet her contributions down the stretch were instrumental. In the final two minutes, she hit seven crucial free throws and added a game-saving steal with just 26 seconds left, demonstrating why she remains one of the league’s clutch players even on an off night. Kate Martin Shines Bright for the Valkyries The Golden State Valkyries, now in their inaugural WNBA season, continued to prove they belong among the league's rising contenders. Rookie sensation Kate Martin scored a career-high 21 points, including 12 in the final five minutes. She led a late 9–2 run that gave the Valkyries a brief lead, and her confidence from beyond the arc energized the home crowd. Though Golden State ultimately fell short, Martin’s poise and scoring instinct in key moments suggest she could be a foundational piece for the young franchise moving forward. Unfortunately for the Valkyries, they couldn't find scoring from any other player during the final six minutes of the game. Kayla Thornton and other backcourt options struggled to get open looks against Liberty’s aggressive defensive rotations. The loss drops Golden State to 7–7 on the season, breaking a two-game winning streak. Still, the team remains above .500 at home, holding a 5–3 record at Chase Center. Their play continues to draw support, with the team selling out its eighth consecutive game. Injuries and Absences Test Liberty’s Depth The Liberty were already missing major contributors, including star forward Jonquel Jones, who suffered an ankle injury in a previous game against Phoenix, and Leonie Fiebich, who is representing Germany in the EuroBasket tournament. The loss of two core defenders and rebounders added pressure on Stewart and Burke to produce on both ends of the floor. Despite being shorthanded, head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the importance of mental toughness and staying the course. The team continued to show grit under pressure and composure during key moments late in the game. Stewart delivered in a crucial stretch, putting her stamp on the game with a go-ahead bucket, a block, and defensive stops that halted the Valkyries’ momentum in the closing minutes. Her leadership, even beyond scoring, guided the Liberty to a clutch road win. What’s Next for Both Teams The Liberty, now 11–3, continue their Western road trip with another tough matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. That game will test New York’s depth again, especially since Phoenix handed the Liberty an 89–81 loss just last week. Liberty fans will hope for a healthier lineup soon as the team looks to maintain its position among league leaders. The Valkyries, meanwhile, will return to action against the Chicago Sky in what promises to be another high-energy game at Chase Center. With center Temi Fágbénlé back from EuroBasket, Golden State will look to improve its interior defense and rebounding — two areas exposed in this latest contest. Final Takeaway Wednesday night’s contest highlighted the growing competitiveness of the WNBA. A powerhouse like the Liberty can still be challenged by a talented expansion team like the Valkyries — especially when young players like Kate Martin rise to the moment. As both franchises move deeper into the season, fans can expect more battles like this — where games come down to the final possession, and every play counts. 

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces delivered a dominant performance Wednesday night, defeating the Connecticut Sun 85–59 in a game that not only showcased team dominance but also cemented A’ja Wilson’s place in WNBA history. Wilson led all scorers with 22 points and became the fastest player in league history to reach 5,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 238 games. Wilson’s complete stat line—22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks—highlighted her all-around impact. Her efficient scoring and defensive leadership were pivotal in keeping Connecticut out of rhythm throughout the contest. Early Explosion Sets the Tone Las Vegas came out of the gates with intensity and precision, opening the first quarter on a 19–0 run. The Aces moved the ball effectively and found open looks from the perimeter, knocking down three of their first four three-point attempts. By the time the Sun scored their first basket, nearly eight minutes had passed, and the Aces had already established a double-digit cushion. Connecticut struggled to generate offense in the opening period, shooting 0-for-11 before finally putting points on the board. At the end of the first quarter, Las Vegas held a commanding 21–6 lead and had already built a strong rebounding edge. Connecticut Attempts to Respond In the second quarter, the Sun briefly found a rhythm and put together an 11–3 run to cut into the deficit. However, the Aces quickly regained control behind Wilson’s scoring surge and paint dominance. The Aces extended the lead back to double digits and led 40–29 at halftime. Connecticut’s scoring efforts were led by Tina Charles, who finished with 18 points, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who added 12. Still, the Sun shot just 32.4% from the field and struggled from deep, converting only 15.4% of their three-point attempts. Las Vegas Takes Over in the Third The third quarter proved to be the turning point as the Aces completely took over. After the Sun opened with a quick 7–0 burst to pull within four, the Aces answered with a 20–4 scoring run that buried Connecticut’s hopes of a comeback. Wilson scored 12 of her 22 points in this quarter alone, while Jackie Young added a pair of timely three-pointers. Las Vegas shot 60% from the field in the third, displaying offensive versatility and defensive tenacity. By the end of the quarter, the lead had ballooned to 68–46. The Aces had also built a significant advantage in rebounding and points off turnovers, limiting Connecticut’s second-chance opportunities and fast-break chances. Bench Provides Reinforcement With a commanding lead entering the fourth quarter, the Aces gave valuable minutes to their bench. The reserves maintained the pressure and expanded the lead, with Kierstan Bell adding eight points and securing key rebounds. Las Vegas demonstrated depth, chemistry, and relentless pace, never allowing Connecticut to reestablish momentum. All five starters for the Aces secured at least six rebounds, underlining the team’s collective effort on both ends. Statistical Breakdown and Milestone Impact Wilson’s historic achievement wasn’t just a scoring feat. With her performance, she also became the youngest player to reach the rare combination of 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 400 blocks, and 200 steals—a reflection of her well-rounded excellence.  In total, Las Vegas shot 42.9% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. They outrebounded Connecticut 45–30 and capitalized on 18 points off turnovers. Jackie Young contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray chipped in with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jewell Loyd added 13 points and seven rebounds to complete the effort. Outlook for Both Teams With the win, Las Vegas improved to 7–7, reaching .500 and gaining momentum heading into the second half of the season. Their ability to lock in defensively and execute on offense reflects the form that brought them back-to-back titles. Connecticut fell to 2–13, continuing a difficult stretch that now includes a seven-game losing streak. Despite individual efforts, the Sun were outmatched in execution, depth, and intensity.

LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Sky pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the 2025 WNBA season Tuesday night, rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 97–86 . At the heart of the effort was rookie Kamilla Cardoso , who delivered a career-high 27 points and announced herself as a force to be reckoned with. The Sky, who entered the game with a 3–10 record and plenty of growing pains, showed grit, composure, and firepower. For Cardoso, it was a breakout game that highlighted her ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the floor in high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, the Sparks, who were hoping to turn their season around at home, collapsed under late-game pressure for their fourth consecutive loss . Sparks Dominate Early, But Chicago Hangs Around The Sparks wasted no time getting on the board, opening the game on a blistering 10–2 run . The Sky were caught flat-footed early, unable to find rhythm offensively as Los Angeles dictated the tempo with strong ball movement and aggressive perimeter shooting. The first quarter ended 27–17 in favor of L.A., with Chicago shooting just 33% from the field. In the second quarter, the Sparks extended their lead to 44–32, seemingly in control of the game. Azurá Stevens looked sharp early, asserting herself on both ends and finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds . Despite their struggles, the Sky showed flashes of resistance. Angel Reese grabbed multiple offensive boards, and Michaela Onyenwere and Dana Evans hit timely buckets to close the gap. By halftime, Chicago had narrowed the lead to 48–42 , giving themselves a window to regroup and respond. Angel Reese Makes History While Steadying the Ship While Cardoso’s scoring made headlines, Angel Reese’s double-double was equally vital. She tallied 18 points and 17 rebounds , continuing a historic rookie campaign. On Tuesday, she became the fastest WNBA player ever to record 150+ rebounds and 50+ assists in her first 14 games. She also crossed the milestone of 600 career points and 600 rebounds —an impressive feat for a player just entering her sophomore season. Reese’s rebounding—especially on the offensive glass—kept possessions alive and broke the Sparks’ rhythm. Her ability to draw contact and convert at the free-throw line helped slow the game down and chip away at the lead. Momentum Shift in the Third Quarter The third quarter was where the tone shifted for Chicago. Cardoso began to heat up, scoring in the post with ease, and using her 6-foot-7 frame to secure second-chance points. A soft hook shot followed by a hard-earned and-one brought the Sky within three points. Meanwhile, the Sparks' offense began to cool. Kelsey Mitchell and Kia Nurse struggled with shot selection, and the Sky’s perimeter defense tightened up. Los Angeles maintained a narrow lead— 69–67 —heading into the fourth, but their grip on the game was beginning to slip. Sky Dominate the Fourth as Cardoso Shines The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Chicago. With just under six minutes to go, Cardoso tied the game with a smooth layup, and then hit a corner three —the first of her WNBA career—to give the Sky an 80–77 lead. It was a symbolic moment, showcasing how far her game has come in such a short span. Cardoso scored nine of her 27 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Sparks were never able to recover. Azurá Stevens fouled out with three minutes left, and without her interior defense, L.A. couldn’t contain Cardoso or Reese inside. The Sky outscored the Sparks 30–17 in the final frame. Supporting Cast Steps Up In addition to the stars, Chicago’s bench and role players also made a strong impact. Hailey Van Lith contributed timely assists and solid perimeter defense. Dana Evans and Onyenwere combined for 18 points, bringing pace and toughness to the backcourt. Elizabeth Williams added key rebounds and finished strong at the rim in the absence of Stevens. The Sparks had moments of brilliance, particularly from Kelsey Plum , who scored 20 points and tried to keep the game close with a pair of deep threes in the fourth. But turnovers and poor shot selection down the stretch undermined their efforts. What’s Next Chicago improves to 4–10 and will now try to build on this performance, though they’ll be without Cardoso for a few games as she joins the Brazilian national team for international play. The Sky will need to find ways to fill the gap in the paint, with Reese expected to take on even more responsibility.  The Sparks, now 4–11 , return to the drawing board with serious questions about closing games. Despite strong individual efforts, the cohesion and execution late in games remain elusive. Final Thoughts For a Sky team still developing its identity, this win was a statement. Kamilla Cardoso’s career night, Angel Reese’s history-making performance, and the team’s poise in the fourth quarter could be the spark needed to kickstart their season.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Mystics seized a dramatic 91-88 overtime victory against the Dallas Wings on Sunday at the CareFirst Arena, a game marked by rookie brilliance, clutch shots, and a gritty back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Rookie guard Sonia Citron delivered the performance of her young WNBA career, notching a season-high 27 points , a career-best 11 rebounds , and four three-pointers , including the go-ahead triple with 12.2 seconds left in overtime to seal the win for Washington. The victory lifted the Mystics to a 6-8 record on the season while the struggling Wings dropped to 3-12.  The game marked a head-turning showcase for several of the WNBA’s rising stars and delivered high drama from start to finish. Early Mystics Domination and Wings’ Rapid Comeback The first quarter painted a promising picture for Washington. Citron and Sug Sutton sparked an early surge with back-to-back three-pointers, leading the Mystics on a 10-1 run to open the game. The Wings struggled mightily out of the gate, shooting just 2-of-14 from the field and managing only 14 points , largely salvaged by nine makes from the free-throw line. By the end of the opening quarter, Washington held a 27-14 advantage. But the momentum flipped in the second quarter as Arike Ogunbowale exploded for 14 of her team-high 27 points, helping Dallas outscore the Mystics 31-13 in the frame. The Wings went on a blistering 28-9 run behind efficient shooting—60% from the field and 80% from deep—culminating in a 45-40 halftime lead. NaLyssa Smith added energy in the paint while JJ Quinerly came off the bench to contribute four late points to extend Dallas’ edge. Trading Leads and Tension Rising The third quarter featured a balanced exchange as the Mystics clawed back within striking distance. Washington dominated inside and on the break, but a combination of timely shooting from Paige Bueckers , Li Yueru , and Ogunbowale kept Dallas narrowly ahead, 69-62, entering the fourth. Despite the deficit, the Mystics pressed on. Kiki Iriafen was pivotal in the final quarter, helping Washington erase a seven-point deficit. A critical layup in isolation gave the Mystics an 81-79 lead with just over a minute remaining. Free throws from Brittney Sykes extended the lead to three, but Dallas had one more push. Aziaha James went 1-of-2 at the line to cut the lead to two, and Citron answered with a split pair of her own. Then, with just 11 seconds on the clock, Bueckers nailed a catch-and-shoot three off an inbounds pass from James to tie the game at 84-84 and send it into overtime. Overtime Brilliance and Rookie Clutch In the extra period, Bueckers hit a tough shot to give Dallas an early advantage. But Shakira Austin battled inside to tie things up, and with 12.2 seconds left, Citron buried the go-ahead corner three after a kick-out pass from Austin. The Wings were unable to answer, sealing the win for the Mystics. Bueckers finished with 20 points , 9 rebounds , and a game-high 7 assists , continuing to bolster her case for WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. Her consistent play, vision, and scoring prowess have been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Dallas. Final Stats and Noteworthy Performances Washington Mystics Sonia Citron: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 4 3PT Kiki Iriafen: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL Shakira Austin: 21 PTS, clutch assists Dallas Wings Arike Ogunbowale: 27 PTS, 3 3PT Paige Bueckers: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST Aziaha James: 11 PTS Both teams combined for an eye-popping 60 personal fouls and 73 free-throw attempts , signaling a tough, physical matchup. Washington made 28-of-41 from the line, while Dallas hit 26-of-32. What’s Next Dallas returns home to open a four-game stretch at the College Park Center starting with a Tuesday matchup against the Atlanta Dream . Meanwhile, the Mystics will look to build on their momentum when they host the Minnesota Lynx . This matchup served not only as a test of composure but also as a potential glimpse into the future of the WNBA. With rookies like Citron, Bueckers, and Iriafen already showing poise and polish, the league’s next generation is arriving with force.