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The Phoenix Mercury snapped a three-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Washington Mystics 88–72 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. With a full roster available for the first time all season, Phoenix displayed a cohesive and commanding second-half performance that overwhelmed the Mystics and reignited their postseason hopes. First-Half Friction: Phoenix Struggles to Find Flow Phoenix entered the game looking to reverse recent misfortunes and reestablish rhythm on both ends of the floor. A notable pregame adjustment saw center Natasha Mack inserted into the starting lineup, capitalizing on her length and mobility to counter Washington's strong interior presence led by Shakira Austin. Kathryn Westbeld’s return from illness also bolstered the Mercury rotation, giving the coaching staff more lineup flexibility. Washington looked sharper than in their previous loss to Phoenix. This time, the Mystics controlled tempo early by minimizing turnovers and attacking the paint. Their guards worked diligently to get Austin the ball in favorable positions, which paid off quickly — the Mystics shot 50% from the field and committed only two turnovers in the opening quarter. Despite a sluggish offensive start, the Mercury managed to keep the score close. Phoenix shot just 38.9% from the field and made only one three-pointer in the first 10 minutes, but strong rebounding and defensive rotations allowed them to trail by only two, 23–21, heading into the second quarter. Washington Holds Narrow Edge Heading into Break The second quarter offered a glimpse of Phoenix’s offensive potential, with Alyssa Thomas continuing her strong start by scoring eight points in the frame. Satou Sabally and Kitija Laksa also contributed timely baskets that helped balance the scoring load. Yet, the Mystics remained resilient, drawing fouls and converting consistently from the free-throw line while maintaining their interior focus. Washington's Jade Melbourne provided an unexpected scoring burst off the bench, finishing the half with 11 points. The Mercury trimmed the Mystics’ lead to four multiple times, but a handful of defensive lapses kept Phoenix from fully seizing momentum. At halftime, Washington led 46–42, with Austin posting 14 points and dominating the paint. Mercury Erupt in the Third Quarter The turning point came immediately after the break. Kiki Iriafen opened the third quarter with a quick bucket, and two early Mystics turnovers signaled a shift in momentum. Thomas orchestrated the Mercury offense with precision, finding Mack for an easy transition finish. Shortly after, Monique Akoa Makani connected on a three-pointer created by a defensive steal from Kahleah Copper. Phoenix's defense elevated to another level, holding Washington scoreless for more than three minutes and executing an 11–0 run. The Mercury emphasized interior scoring, leveraging quick drives and backdoor cuts to build a double-digit lead. Their aggressive offensive strategy earned them a dominant 40–26 advantage in points in the paint by the quarter’s end. Thomas continued to shine, ending the third period with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Her versatility and composure kept the Mercury in control, and Phoenix entered the final quarter up by 10, 68–58. Closing the Door: Phoenix Locks Down for the Win Laksa’s three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter extended the Mercury’s lead to 13. Phoenix maintained its grip through balanced scoring and suffocating defense. Mack added a post-up finish after forcing a contested miss from Austin, while Thomas contributed key hustle plays that preserved momentum. Washington attempted a late push, narrowing the deficit to single digits with just under three minutes to play. However, Phoenix responded with timely stops and efficient possessions. Thomas crashed the glass for a second-chance basket, then set up Akoa Makani for an uncontested layup that sealed the outcome. The Mystics’ offense, which had started the game with promise, sputtered late. Brittney Sykes was held scoreless, and Washington committed 14 second-half turnovers that halted any chance of a comeback. Final Numbers and Key Performers Phoenix closed the game shooting 51.5% from the field, a dramatic improvement from their early shooting woes. From the second quarter onward, the Mercury hit 56% of their attempts. The Mystics, after a strong start, faded to 38.1% overall shooting. Thomas posted one of her finest all-around performances of the season, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a block — narrowly missing a triple-double. Sabally chipped in 15 points, and both Laksa and Akoa Makani contributed 13. Natasha Mack’s defensive presence and timely buckets added crucial depth. On the Mystics’ side, Austin led with 20 points and eight rebounds, but she was mostly neutralized in the second half, managing only six points after intermission. Melbourne’s 11 first-half points stood as her most impactful stretch. Momentum Moving Forward Sunday’s win was a pivotal moment for the Mercury, who finally saw their full roster operate cohesively. Their second-half dominance — outscoring the Mystics 46–26 — served as a statement that this team is far from finished. With improved chemistry and contributions across the board, Phoenix now looks to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against the Indiana Fever.
In a nail-biting finish at Barclays Center, the Los Angeles Sparks stunned the New York Liberty with a last-second basket to capture a 101-99 win on Saturday night. Rickea Jackson emerged as the hero, muscling in the game-winning layup at the buzzer, continuing her outstanding sophomore campaign. First-Half Firepower from the Sparks The Sparks came out blazing in the opening quarter, setting the tone with relentless offensive pressure. They converted 13 of their 19 shot attempts, including seven from beyond the arc, to build a commanding 35-20 lead. Jackson, who erupted for 17 points in the first quarter alone, was a dominant force early. By halftime, Los Angeles held a 58-45 advantage, powered by 10-of-18 shooting from three-point range. Their efficient scoring marked the beginning of what would be a record-setting night for the team. Jackson’s Clutch Night and Career Milestones Rickea Jackson finished the night with 24 points, including the decisive final bucket. She also matched her season high in made three-pointers with four, pacing the Sparks with nine field goals. The buzzer-beater not only secured the win but also helped Jackson reach the 100-assist milestone for her career. The 2023 second overall pick has rapidly become a core contributor for Los Angeles, and Saturday’s performance highlighted her growth and leadership under pressure. Plum Extends Her Shooting Streak Kelsey Plum added 20 points and distributed eight assists while hauling in four rebounds. She continued her league-best streak of games with at least three three-pointers, now reaching seven consecutive contests. The eighth-year guard has been a model of consistency for the Sparks and remains one of the top long-range threats in the league. Balanced Production Across the Roster Azurá Stevens and Dearica Hamby were instrumental in securing the victory. Each recorded a double-double — their eighth of the season. Stevens scored all 17 of her points in the second half while pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds. Hamby contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her 50th career double-double. Rae Burrell also delivered an impactful performance off the bench, scoring 12 points while achieving season highs in made three-pointers (2) and total field goals (4). Julie Allemand added 10 assists, matching her season best, and chipped in with six rebounds and four points. Los Angeles scored a season-high 39 made field goals and outpaced New York in the paint with a 54-44 scoring margin. Liberty’s Comeback Falls Short Despite trailing by 15 points early in the third quarter, the Liberty fought their way back. Sabrina Ionescu spearheaded the rally with 30 points, including a critical elbow jumper that tied the game at 99 with 23.1 seconds remaining. Natasha Cloud added 22 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter. The Liberty narrowed the gap with a combination of defensive pressure and fast-paced offensive execution, cutting the lead to as little as two in the final minutes. Azura Stevens’ layup with just over a minute left had given the Sparks a temporary 99-97 edge before Ionescu’s tying shot. But the final possession belonged to Los Angeles, and Jackson’s perfectly executed post move delivered the crushing blow to Liberty fans. Breanna Stewart Injury Casts Shadow New York suffered a setback early in the game when reigning MVP Breanna Stewart exited with a lower leg injury just three minutes in. Stewart had registered three points and a rebound before limping to the locker room. According to team sources, Stewart will miss at least four upcoming games but avoided a season-ending injury. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty’s interior defense and rebounding against the Sparks’ aggressive frontcourt. Historic Offense for the Sparks This win marked the fifth straight game in which the Sparks have scored 90 or more points — the longest such streak in franchise history. Shooting 51.3% from the field and 40.7% from deep, Los Angeles has now posted four consecutive games shooting over 50%. It's the first time since 2016 that the franchise has achieved this feat and only the 21st time in WNBA history. What’s Next The Sparks (11-14) return home to face the Las Vegas Aces on July 29, looking to build on their historic offensive momentum. The Liberty (17-7), now dealing with injury adversity, will regroup before facing the Dallas Wings next.
The Atlanta Dream handed the Minnesota Lynx their first home defeat of the 2025 WNBA season with a 90–86 win on Sunday night, snapping a 14-game home winning streak at the Target Center. Powered by a season-high performance from Brittney Griner and efficient fourth-quarter execution, the Dream delivered a statement win that highlights their offensive potency and growing playoff ambitions. Griner and Canada Lead Efficient Atlanta Offense Brittney Griner set the tone with a dominant showing inside, posting 22 points in her strongest performance of the season. Griner was instrumental in anchoring Atlanta’s interior attack, while point guard Jordin Canada continued her consistent play with 18 points, directing the Dream’s offense with precision. Atlanta’s bench provided key support as well, with Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Allisha Gray each contributing 12 points. The Dream shot a scorching 71% from the field across the first, second, and fourth quarters combined, creating a tempo the Lynx struggled to match despite their own solid shooting night. Collier’s Late Surge Falls Short The Minnesota Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, made a late-game push that nearly erased what had been a double-digit deficit. Collier erupted for 13 points in the final frame, bringing her total to 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting. Her stat line also included eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks, marking another all-around performance in a stellar season. Despite Collier’s heroics, the Lynx were unable to fully overcome a gap that ballooned to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter. The team closed to within three points with just 11 seconds left, but Atlanta’s timely free throw sealed the game. Momentum Shifts and Defensive Gaps The contest saw distinct momentum swings. The Dream surged early, entering halftime with a 14-point lead, and then stumbled in the third quarter, shooting just 25% from the field. That lapse allowed the Lynx to cut the lead to just three points, igniting the home crowd and reintroducing the possibility of a comeback. However, Minnesota’s defensive breakdowns in the final frame allowed Atlanta to hit nine of their first ten field goal attempts in the fourth quarter. The Dream maintained composure and poise during high-pressure sequences, showing a maturity that bodes well for their playoff run. Key Performances and Supporting Casts While Griner and Canada stole the spotlight for Atlanta, the Dream's depth proved decisive. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough followed up her recent season-high with another efficient outing. Her ability to score off the bench has emerged as a vital asset for Atlanta during a stretch when bench consistency is often a playoff differentiator. In contrast, the Lynx relied heavily on Collier. While Alanna Smith (12 points), Courtney Williams (11), and Natisha Hiedeman (10) reached double figures, no reserve player made a substantial offensive impact. Minnesota’s bench was outscored and outpaced, contributing to the overall loss despite the team shooting 56% from the field. Without Collier, the team’s shooting percentage dropped to 48%, exposing a need for greater scoring balance. Historical Impact and Next Steps The loss marks the end of Minnesota’s franchise-record home winning streak, which stood as the fourth-longest in WNBA history. The Lynx had been undefeated at home across 14 straight games and carried significant momentum into the matchup. For Atlanta, the win improves their record to 15–10 and strengthens their position in the playoff standings. It also serves as validation for recent roster moves, including the high-profile additions of Griner and Brionna Jones. Atlanta now boasts one of the league’s deepest frontcourts, and their offensive cohesion continues to improve under head coach Karl Smesko. Minnesota, now 22–5, concludes its five-game homestand on Wednesday with a high-stakes showdown against the defending champion New York Liberty. That game will be the first meeting between the two 2024 WNBA finalists this season, and will serve as a critical test of the Lynx’s ability to regroup and respond to adversity. Outlook The Dream’s victory sends a clear message to the rest of the league: when operating at peak efficiency, Atlanta is capable of toppling even the best teams. With Griner back in elite form, Canada orchestrating the offense, and the bench finding rhythm, the Dream have all the tools to contend deep into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Lynx will need to recalibrate after a rare stumble at home. Collier remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, but Minnesota’s path forward will depend on diversifying its offensive contributions and tightening its perimeter defense. This game may ultimately mark a turning point in both teams’ seasons—Atlanta gaining momentum, and Minnesota refocusing its championship aspirations. One streak may have ended, but the race toward the playoffs is just heating up.
The Phoenix Mercury demonstrated their playoff aspirations with a dominant second-half performance that led to an 88-72 win over the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena on Sunday night. In a game that began with balanced scoring and high energy, the Mercury flipped the momentum after halftime and never looked back. First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle The opening quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading leads and pushing the tempo. There were 10 lead changes in just the first period alone, and the Mystics managed to carve out a slim 23-21 lead heading into the second quarter, thanks to early production from Shakira Austin and Jade Melbourne. In the second quarter, Washington leaned into their interior play and capitalized at the free throw line. Austin and Melbourne continued to set the pace, combining for 25 points by halftime. Despite struggling from the three-point line—shooting just 2-of-9—the Mystics managed to hold Phoenix to 2-of-13 from deep as well. Paint points were key for both squads, but Washington's near-perfect 14-of-15 free throw shooting helped them secure a 46-42 halftime lead. Momentum Shift: Mercury Strike in the Third The third quarter marked a turning point. Phoenix emerged from the locker room with renewed focus and intensity, outscoring the Mystics 22-11 in the frame. During a critical stretch midway through the quarter, the Mercury launched an 11-2 run, fueled by five different players contributing buckets. A deep three-pointer from Lucy Olsen briefly narrowed the gap for Washington, but the Mercury quickly reclaimed control. Alyssa Thomas, who was relatively quiet in the first half, took over late in the third quarter. She scored nine of her 27 total points during the final three minutes of the quarter, while also collecting rebounds and distributing assists. Her efforts helped Phoenix surge to a 68-58 advantage heading into the final frame. Final Quarter: Mercury Lock Down the Win Phoenix opened the fourth quarter with a 10-3 burst, expanding their lead to 17 points. Kitija Laksa led the charge with six points early in the period. Although the Mystics made one last push—highlighted by a 9-0 run and a deep three from Emily Engstler—the Mercury responded with another late 10-2 scoring run that effectively sealed the game. Phoenix’s success came from its depth and lineup flexibility. In addition to Thomas’s standout performance (27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists), Satou Sabally added 15 points. Kitija Laksa and Monique Akoa Makani chipped in 13 points each, while Natasha Mack contributed 10 points. The Mercury showcased a balanced offense and gritty defense, especially during the decisive third quarter. Mystics' Bright Spots and Struggles Despite the loss, the Mystics had several standout performances. Shakira Austin continued her strong season with 20 points and 8 rebounds, marking her third 20+ point game of the season. She also tied her career high with four offensive rebounds and extended her streak of games with at least one block to seven. Sonia Citron added 13 points and moved into fourth place all-time in rookie scoring for the franchise. Jade Melbourne also impressed off the bench, posting 13 points, four assists, and a season-high three steals. Kiki Iriafen collected 10 rebounds, surpassing 200 career boards and becoming the youngest player in franchise history to do so. Emily Engstler’s season-high eight points, including two three-pointers, came in her 100th career game. Brittney Sykes, although scoreless, made an impact defensively with three steals, tying her season high. What’s Next With the victory, Phoenix improves to 16-9 and continues to hold a strong position in the standings as the playoff race heats up. Coach Nate Tibbetts has emphasized the importance of experimenting with lineups down the stretch, and Sunday’s performance reinforced the effectiveness of his strategies. The Mercury will look to carry this momentum into the remaining games of their road trip, where their versatility and depth will continue to be tested. Meanwhile, the Mystics, now 12-13, will aim to regroup quickly. They return to action on Tuesday night when they host the Chicago Sky. With playoff positioning still within reach, every remaining game will be critical for Washington’s postseason hopes.