Whitcomb’s Record Night and Thomas’ Triple-Double Propel Mercury Past Wings

CHICAGO — The Atlanta Dream put together one of their most complete performances of the season Wednesday, overwhelming a depleted Chicago Sky squad 86–49 at Wintrust Arena. The victory propelled Atlanta to a 13–9 record heading into the All-Star break, while Chicago fell to 7–15 and limped off the floor still searching for answers without their All-Star forward.  The Sky were forced to play without Angel Reese, who was sidelined by a leg injury for the first time this season. Without their top scorer and rebounder, Chicago struggled to generate any offensive rhythm. The absence was evident as the team recorded fewer than 13 points in any single quarter and shot just 25% from the field. A Third-Quarter Avalanche Atlanta wasted no time taking control but truly broke the game open after halftime. The Dream started the third quarter on a blistering 14–0 run that showcased their depth and ball movement. By the time Chicago finally hit its second field goal of the half, Atlanta had already built a 62–26 advantage. The Dream piled up 13 field goals in the period alone, exceeding Chicago’s total output for the entire first three quarters. That burst all but sealed the outcome, allowing Atlanta to rest starters down the stretch while the Sky tried to avoid setting an unfortunate franchise scoring record. Contributions Across the Roster Brittney Griner anchored the Dream offense with 15 points, working efficiently around the basket and drawing extra defenders whenever she touched the ball. Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray each added 14 points, combining for smart cuts and timely jumpers that repeatedly punished Chicago’s rotating defense. Te-Hina Paopao, the promising rookie guard, provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, knocking down multiple three-pointers to extend the margin. Naz Hillmon chipped in 10 points as Atlanta’s bench continued to supply steady production. Point guard Jordin Canada directed the offense with precision, handing out eight assists and pushing the pace whenever Chicago missed shots—which happened often on an afternoon when little went right for the home team. Sky’s Offensive Struggles Continue Chicago’s shooting woes were apparent from the start. Without Reese’s presence to create opportunities in the paint and command defensive attention, the Sky could not find reliable scoring options. Rebecca Allen was the lone bright spot, scoring nine points—all coming on three-pointers during the third quarter in a brief flurry that momentarily trimmed the deficit. Kamilla Cardoso contributed eight points and 11 rebounds, working hard to secure extra possessions, but her efforts were not nearly enough to change the complexion of the game. Moriah Jefferson’s late jumper with just over 30 seconds remaining helped Chicago avoid its lowest scoring performance in franchise history—a small consolation in an otherwise dispiriting defeat. A Needed Break for Both Teams For Atlanta, the blowout win marked an encouraging rebound after injuries had disrupted their rotation in recent weeks. Forward Rhyne Howard remained out with a knee injury that is expected to sideline her for the rest of July, but the Dream’s depth proved more than sufficient to compensate. The frontcourt combination of Griner and Jones imposed their will on both ends of the floor, while Gray and Paopao supplied perimeter scoring that kept the Sky on their heels. On the Chicago side, the absence of Reese underscored her impact beyond the box score. As the team’s leading scorer, top rebounder, and emotional leader, her availability has been critical to Chicago’s competitiveness. Though she was held out as a precaution to prepare for the upcoming All-Star festivities, the game demonstrated how much the Sky rely on her energy and production. Looking Ahead The Dream will head into the All-Star break sitting comfortably in the upper half of the standings, carrying positive momentum and improved chemistry. With Howard on track to return in the coming weeks and Griner rounding into form, Atlanta is positioned to make a strong playoff push over the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the Sky will regroup during the break and hope Reese’s leg injury proves minor enough for her to return immediately afterward. Chicago’s schedule does not get easier, and the team must quickly find ways to boost scoring and cut down on turnovers if it hopes to stay in the postseason race. As both teams take a short respite, the message was clear in Wednesday’s matinee: when Atlanta is firing on all cylinders—even with key players missing—they can overwhelm almost anyone. And when Chicago loses its star centerpiece, the road gets considerably steeper.

SEATTLE — The Washington Mystics overcame an early deficit and capped the night with a dominant final quarter to secure a 74–69 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday at Climate Pledge Arena. The result brought Washington back above .500 and underscored the team’s resilience in what has been a season full of swings.  Brittney Sykes led the Mystics with 19 points, scoring 10 in the fourth quarter alone as Washington stormed back from a double-digit deficit. With her late-game poise and determined drives to the rim, Sykes transformed a night that had been tilting toward the Storm into a statement victory for her team. Seattle Controls the Early Tempo The Storm took command in the first half with balanced offense and intense defensive pressure. Ezi Magbegor set the tone immediately, hitting midrange jumpers and establishing herself in the paint. She finished with a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Alongside her, Nneka Ogwumike showcased her veteran skill set, mixing post moves with outside shooting. Ogwumike contributed 16 points and six rebounds, providing stability whenever the Mystics threatened to rally. After the first quarter, Seattle led by five, and when Tiffany Mitchell came off the bench to sink back-to-back baskets in the second, the lead swelled further. Washington struggled to find clean looks, with Seattle closing out hard on perimeter shooters and limiting second-chance opportunities. A Brief Mystics Push Before Halftime Though the Storm held the momentum, the Mystics managed to stay within striking distance thanks to Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Citron, whose poise continues to impress in her first professional season, tallied 17 points and knocked down a key jumper to slow Seattle’s run. Iriafen, meanwhile, worked tirelessly on the glass. Her putback layup late in the second quarter trimmed the deficit, and her defensive energy helped the Mystics avoid letting the game slip away completely. Washington trailed by just three at halftime, despite shooting under 40% and committing seven turnovers. Seattle Builds a Cushion in the Third After the break, the Storm regrouped and produced their most fluid offensive stretch of the evening. They connected on 10 of 19 field goal attempts in the third quarter, igniting the crowd with an 11–0 run that stretched the lead to double digits. Skylar Diggins added a highlight-reel play when she sprinted back to swat away a layup in transition. Diggins finished with 10 points, four assists, and three steals, playing with the assertiveness that has defined her return to the WNBA this season. When Magbegor buried a baseline jumper near the end of the period, Seattle appeared in control, up eight points with just 10 minutes to play. Mystics Flip the Script in the Fourth But the Mystics weren’t finished. They opened the fourth quarter with a renewed sense of urgency, pushing the ball in transition and applying full-court defensive pressure. Sykes scored or assisted on Washington’s first 12 points of the final frame. Her three-point play off a driving layup brought the Mystics within a single possession, and Citron followed with a smooth catch-and-shoot three-pointer that gave Washington its first lead since the opening minutes. Iriafen continued to do the dirty work inside, pulling down critical rebounds to limit Seattle’s second chances. Her 10-point, 10-rebound effort tied the franchise’s rookie record for double-doubles in a season, further highlighting her impact. Clutch Moments Seal the Win As the clock wound down, Ogwumike responded with a layup to cut Washington’s lead to one. The Mystics turned to Sykes again, and she delivered, attacking the paint and sinking a contested layup to restore a three-point cushion. On the ensuing possession, Diggins stepped out of bounds while trying to free herself for a pass—a costly turnover that set the table for Washington to put the game away. Sykes iced the win at the free-throw line, calmly converting two attempts with less than 10 seconds left to finalize the score. Bench Contributions and Defensive Adjustments While Sykes and Citron carried the scoring load, Washington’s depth played a pivotal role. Julie Vanloo contributed six assists and steady ball handling in her minutes, while Myisha Hines-Allen chipped in seven points and provided veteran leadership. Defensively, the Mystics locked down in the final quarter, holding Seattle to just 14 points. Washington outshot the Storm 44% to 36% and forced 16 turnovers—a difference that proved decisive. Injury Watch and What’s Next Seattle’s Gabby Williams exited the game in the final minute with a leg injury after an awkward landing. The Storm will monitor her status closely, as her defensive presence has been crucial in their strong start to the year. With the loss, Seattle slipped to 13–9, still holding a top-three seed in the Western Conference. They’ll host the Golden State Valkyries next, looking to bounce back before the All-Star break. Washington improved to 11–10 and will continue their road trip in Los Angeles, where they’ll face the Sparks on July 15. With Sykes and Iriafen both surging, the Mystics look poised to keep climbing the standings as the season enters its second half.

CHICAGO — The Minnesota Lynx continued their remarkable run through the WNBA season Monday night, overcoming fatigue and a determined Chicago Sky squad to secure a 91–78 road victory at Wintrust Arena.  With the win, the Lynx improved to 19–4, avenging a six-point loss to the Sky just two days earlier. Minnesota leaned on the all-around brilliance of Napheesa Collier, whose 29 points and late-game poise anchored a balanced team effort. Early Edge for Chicago Chicago came out strong, looking to replicate Saturday’s success. Angel Reese set the tone with eight quick points in the first quarter, using her quick footwork in the post to create mismatches. Rachel Banham and Rebecca Allen provided floor spacing, knocking down open jumpers as the Sky built an early lead. Minnesota showed signs of heavy legs in the first half, playing their fourth game in six days. However, Collier’s steady scoring and Kayla McBride’s timely shot-making kept the Lynx within striking distance. Third-Quarter Turnaround Momentum swung decisively after halftime. Bridget Carleton drilled a three-pointer to start the third quarter, giving Minnesota a lead they would never surrender. Collier then delivered her most impactful stretch of the night, burying a three with less than a second left in the period to extend the advantage to five. The play was set up by a strong drive and dish from Courtney Williams, one of several examples of Minnesota’s improved ball movement. Lynx Seize Control in the Fourth The fourth quarter began with Minnesota unleashing an 8–2 run, capped by Collier’s two free throws that pushed the lead into double digits. Chicago tried to counter with interior buckets from Reese and a quick spurt by Banham, but the Sky could not generate enough defensive stops to regain control. Minnesota forced turnovers on three consecutive possessions midway through the quarter, converting each into fast-break layups. Those sequences put the game effectively out of reach and underscored why the Lynx have become the league’s most efficient transition team. Collier’s All-Star Form Collier’s stat line—29 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, plus five assists and three steals—was emblematic of her season-long impact. Her confidence from beyond the arc (4-of-7 on threes) gave Minnesota the spacing it needed to neutralize Chicago’s defense. McBride added 17 points while continuing her strong stretch of play. Hours before tipoff, she was named to her fifth All-Star team, replacing injured Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard. Courtney Williams nearly posted a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Her steady presence helped the Lynx keep pace during Chicago’s early surges. Carleton chipped in 11 points, and the Lynx knocked down 12 three-pointers as a team. Reese’s Double-Double Not Enough Angel Reese recorded her ninth consecutive double-double, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. But her five turnovers proved costly, especially in a game where every possession mattered. Afterward, she expressed disappointment with her decision-making, acknowledging that she needs to limit mistakes as Chicago leans more heavily on her to facilitate offense. Banham contributed 15 points off the bench, and Allen added 10, but the Sky struggled to maintain their early defensive intensity. Ariel Atkins, who scored 27 in Saturday’s win, left the game in the second quarter due to a leg injury and did not return, further limiting Chicago’s options. Resilient Finish Caps Grueling Stretch This victory capped a demanding six-day stretch in which the Lynx went 3–1. The result not only helped Minnesota reclaim momentum after Saturday’s setback but also reinforced why they remain the WNBA’s top team heading into the All-Star break. Despite fatigue, the Lynx showcased their depth, adaptability, and leadership. Collier’s dominance and Williams’ playmaking were difference-makers as Minnesota outscored Chicago by 13 in the second half. What’s Next Minnesota will get a brief reprieve before returning home to face the Dallas Wings in their final game before the All-Star festivities. Chicago, now 7–14, will regroup as they await an update on Atkins’ injury status. The Sky remain in the playoff picture but will need Reese, Banham, and Allen to shoulder even more responsibility if Atkins is sidelined for an extended stretch.

NEW YORK — The New York Liberty delivered a dramatic comeback performance on Sunday afternoon, erasing a 19-point deficit to defeat the Atlanta Dream 79–72 at Barclays Center. Leonie Fiebich starred in the turnaround, scoring a game-high 21 points to help the Liberty extend their winning streak and tighten their grip atop the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta Starts Fast Before Fading The Dream came out with purpose and aggression, racing ahead in the opening quarter. Allisha Gray was sharp early, scoring 10 of her 16 points in the first half, and Atlanta’s defense forced the Liberty into a string of contested jumpers and rushed possessions. By the end of the first quarter, the Dream led 26–13. Their advantage stretched to 19 midway through the second as the Liberty continued to struggle to find rhythm offensively. Sabrina Ionescu, who has been one of New York’s most reliable scorers, managed just one field goal before halftime. Even with the early onslaught, the Liberty began to chip away before the break. A late flurry of transition baskets helped reduce the margin to 42–31 at halftime, keeping the game within reach. Fiebich Takes Over in the Second Half After the break, New York returned to the floor with renewed energy and a much sharper offensive approach. Fiebich became the catalyst for the rally, knocking down a pair of three-pointers that electrified the crowd and cut into the deficit. Breanna Stewart added steady contributions, scoring inside and cleaning the glass. She finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season. Fiebich’s second three-pointer late in the third quarter gave the Liberty their first lead since early in the game. By the start of the fourth, New York had moved ahead 55–53 and held the momentum. A Decisive Run to Finish With the Liberty clinging to a slim lead in the fourth, they seized control with a 12–2 burst that put the game out of reach. Kennedy Burke chipped in five critical points during that stretch, and Nyara Sabally drilled a corner three to make it 70–60 with five minutes left on the clock. Although Atlanta trimmed the deficit to four points with under two minutes to play, they could not string together the stops needed to close the gap further. New York’s defense held firm, contesting every shot in the final possessions and forcing hurried looks from the Dream’s perimeter players. Supporting Cast Steps Up Aside from Fiebich and Stewart, the Liberty received contributions throughout the rotation. Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison returned from injury and stabilized the lineup. Harrison finished with nine points and six rebounds while playing stout interior defense against Brittney Griner, who posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Naz Hillmon made history by appearing in her 128th consecutive game, surpassing the franchise record previously held by Iziane Castro Marques. Hillmon added 11 points and provided critical minutes off the bench when the Liberty were searching for sparks of energy. Atlanta’s Missed Opportunity The Dream’s promising start ultimately unraveled under New York’s relentless defensive pressure. Without All-Star Rhyne Howard, sidelined with a knee injury, Atlanta lacked a consistent scoring threat down the stretch. Maya Caldwell and Jordin Canada chipped in 12 points each, but the Dream were unable to recapture the fluid offense that defined their first-half surge. Their shooting percentage dipped below 40% after halftime, and New York controlled the paint, outscoring Atlanta 38–32 inside. New York Stays Atop the East The Liberty improved to 14–6 with the victory and remain in first place in the conference. Even when early shooting woes threatened to derail their afternoon, the team’s depth and composure proved decisive. Fiebich’s efficient 8-for-9 shooting, including 4-for-5 from long range, punctuated an afternoon that showcased the Liberty’s resilience. The defending champions have made a habit of second-half comebacks, and Sunday’s win was another example of their ability to adjust and respond under pressure. Looking Ahead Next, New York heads to Indianapolis for a high-profile matchup against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday. The game will be nationally televised and presents another opportunity for the Liberty to solidify their place among the league’s elite. Atlanta, now 12–9, will look to regroup and get healthy as they return home to face the Chicago Sky later this week. With Howard’s status uncertain, the Dream will need continued production from Gray, Griner, and the supporting cast to stay in the playoff picture. 

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks secured one of their most impressive victories of the season on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Connecticut Sun 92–88 in a high-scoring duel at Crypto.com Arena. Snapping a 13-game losing streak against the Sun dating back to 2020, the Sparks leaned on a balanced offense and relentless energy on the boards to grab their seventh win of the year. Four players scored at least 15 points, including a standout performance from Azurá Stevens and a strong second half by Kelsey Plum. First Half: Back-and-Forth Offensive Showcase The opening quarter set the tone for a fast-paced contest, with both teams shooting over 50% from the field. Connecticut built an early lead behind the efficient scoring of Saniya Rivers and Bria Hartley. Rivers knocked down her first four shots, and Hartley added consistent midrange jumpers to keep the Sun ahead. The Sparks countered with Rickea Jackson’s aggressive drives and timely shooting from Stevens, who buried a pair of early three-pointers. Even as Connecticut briefly pushed the lead to eight late in the first half, Los Angeles responded with a 6–0 run—highlighted by Jackson’s transition layup—to trim the deficit to two at halftime. Third Quarter: Stevens Ignites the Sparks Emerging from the locker room, Stevens took over offensively, scoring eight straight points that flipped the game’s momentum. Her versatility as a forward—knocking down threes and working in the post—created matchup problems for Connecticut, which struggled to adjust defensively. Plum began to assert herself as well, attacking gaps in the defense and picking her moments to drive. Her layup midway through the third capped a 10–1 stretch that gave the Sparks a seven-point cushion, their largest lead to that point. Though the Sun rallied behind Hartley and Jacy Sheldon, who combined for a series of quick buckets, Los Angeles maintained its edge thanks to timely free throws and second-chance points. Fourth Quarter: Trading Blows Down the Stretch The final period was a tense back-and-forth, as Connecticut refused to fold. Rivers continued her torrid shooting, while Hartley connected from long range to keep the Sun within striking distance. Each time the Sparks tried to pull away, the Sun answered with a timely basket or forced turnover. Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell made critical plays late. Hamby’s hustle on the glass led to second-chance opportunities, and Burrell’s floater with just over two minutes remaining helped preserve the narrow lead. With under a minute left and the Sparks clinging to a three-point advantage, Stevens calmly sank a pair of free throws to extend the lead. A final defensive stop sealed the victory, ending the Sun’s winning streak in this matchup. Standout Performances Across the Lineup Stevens finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, recording her seventh double-double of the season. She also matched her career high with seven offensive boards and knocked down five three-pointers. Plum scored 23 points, with 18 coming in the second half, showcasing her ability to deliver in clutch moments. Her first-quarter three-pointer moved her into 15th place on the WNBA’s all-time three-point list. Jackson contributed 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists in her 50th career start, while Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, passing Chamique Holdsclaw for 28th all-time in WNBA rebounding. Burrell delivered her most efficient outing of the year, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field for seven points off the bench. Connecticut’s Balanced Effort Falls Just Short Hartley led the Sun with a season-high 25 points, and Rivers finished with 20 on near-perfect shooting. Sheldon and Aneesah Morrow provided steady support, combining for 23 points. Connecticut shot 50% overall and outpaced the Sparks from the three-point line, but the inability to secure defensive rebounds—allowing 15 offensive boards—ultimately proved costly. Momentum as the Season Turns The Sparks improved to 7–14 with the victory, capping a three-game homestand on a positive note. Head Coach Lynne Roberts credited the team’s composure and improved spacing on offense for the breakthrough win. The win not only ended a frustrating streak against Connecticut but also offered a glimpse of what the Sparks can be at full strength. With Stevens, Plum, and Jackson all finding rhythm, Los Angeles displayed the kind of dynamic scoring and rebounding that can make them a threat in the second half of the season. Looking Ahead The Sparks close out the first half of their schedule on Tuesday against the Washington Mystics before heading into the All-Star break. With their core contributors healthy and role players gaining confidence, the team aims to build momentum heading into a critical stretch of the season. Connecticut will return home for a six-game homestand starting Tuesday, hoping to regroup after the narrow defeat. Despite the loss, the Sun’s young core continues to show growth and resilience in competitive matchups.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever turned in one of their most dominant performances of the season Sunday afternoon, riding a 36-point second quarter and a balanced attack to a commanding 102–83 victory over the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The matchup was a showcase of rising stars, featuring Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers—back-to-back No. 1 overall picks—sharing the court for the first time in their professional careers. While Bueckers led all scorers with 21 points, it was Clark’s all-around brilliance and the Fever’s depth that made the difference. Record-Setting First Half Indiana’s offense was nearly unstoppable out of the gate. After a back-and-forth opening quarter, the Fever erupted in the second, pouring in 36 points on 16-of-21 shooting. The surge gave Indiana 64 first-half points, the most in any half by a WNBA team this season and a new franchise record. Clark orchestrated the onslaught with her passing vision, tallying nine assists before the break. Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard both reached double figures early, while Aliyah Boston controlled the paint with efficient scoring and timely defense. By halftime, the Fever led by 18, putting Dallas in a hole it could never escape. Clark’s Historic Afternoon Although she played under a minutes restriction in just her third game back from injury, Clark still found ways to impact every facet of the game. She finished with 14 points, 13 assists, and five steals, joining an exclusive club as the only WNBA player to record that stat line twice in her career. Beyond her record-setting distribution, Clark became the fastest guard in league history to reach both 200 points and 100 assists in a season, milestones that highlight her unique blend of scoring and playmaking. Her performance underscored her importance to Indiana’s identity—a steady hand at point guard who can fuel offensive outbursts and disrupt opponents on defense. Balanced Contributions Across the Roster While Clark’s production was historic, the Fever’s win was defined by contributions up and down the roster. Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points, extending her streak of double-digit scoring performances to 21 games this season. Boston chipped in 17 points and secured her place in franchise history with her 570th defensive rebound, moving her into sixth all-time for the club. Natasha Howard was a force inside, tallying 18 points and anchoring the defense. Sophie Cunningham added 13 points, reaching her 1,500th career point milestone in the process, while Aari McDonald and Damiris Dantas provided critical support off the bench.  Dallas Can’t Find Answers The Wings were short-handed but still managed a few bright spots. Bueckers delivered a polished offensive performance, hitting nine of 15 shots while adding four rebounds and four assists. JJ Quinerly and Li Yueru combined for 29 points, with Li especially effective from midrange. However, the absence of consistent shooting around Bueckers and the return of Arike Ogunbowale, who struggled to find rhythm after a thumb injury and missed all 10 of her field-goal attempts, left Dallas unable to keep pace. The Wings were held to just 15 points in the second quarter and never recovered, ultimately falling to 6–16 on the season. A Showcase of Indiana’s Growth For the Fever, Sunday’s rout represented more than just another win. The 102 points matched the franchise’s season high, while the 30 assists tied the team record for most in a game. Indiana controlled nearly every aspect of play—shooting 55% overall, forcing turnovers, and outscoring Dallas by 22 in the paint. The performance offered a glimpse of the potential the Fever have when fully healthy and clicking on both ends of the floor. Looking Ahead The Fever improved to 11–10 with the victory, marking their first time over .500 in two weeks. They will carry momentum into a difficult two-game road trip, with matchups against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty looming. Dallas, meanwhile, faces mounting questions about health and consistency as the second half of the season begins. The Wings will look to regroup as they prepare for their next contest, hoping to find more offensive balance and avoid falling further behind in the playoff race.

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Washington Mystics showcased their resilience on Thursday night, closing on a 12–2 run to claim a 70–68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. The comeback was punctuated by Shakira Austin’s late offensive rebound and go-ahead basket, capping a statement win over a rival that held control most of the evening. First Half: Aces Build Early Momentum Las Vegas, still adjusting without A’ja Wilson, appeared in command through the first 20 minutes. Jewell Loyd led the way offensively, scoring 20 points and repeatedly punishing the Mystics’ defense in the halfcourt. The Aces’ defense clamped down in the second quarter, limiting Washington to only 12 points. Dana Evans provided a lift with timely jumpers, and a closing surge stretched the visitors’ lead to 13 at halftime. A contested three-pointer from Loyd just before the buzzer emphasized Las Vegas’ early dominance. Despite shooting only one-for-15 from long range through the half, the Aces compensated by getting to the foul line and controlling the glass. Their balance and experience seemed to set the stage for a comfortable finish. Third Quarter: Mystics Begin to Rally The script flipped midway through the third. Washington, led by Brittney Sykes and Austin, began chipping away. Sykes found seams to attack off the dribble, while Austin continued her tireless work on the boards. Rookie Kiki Iriafen added energy and scoring touch in the paint, and the Mystics started to find open looks in transition. A 19–9 burst cut the deficit to just five by the end of the third quarter, igniting the home crowd and putting pressure back on Las Vegas. For a team that had been down by as many as 15, Washington’s confidence only grew as the game tightened. Fourth Quarter: Late-Game Heroics Seal the Win The final frame turned into a tense back-and-forth duel. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray answered each Washington surge with midrange baskets, preserving a narrow Aces lead. With under four minutes left, Young’s layup put Las Vegas up 66–58, seemingly re-establishing control. But the Mystics weren’t finished. Sykes knocked down a pull-up jumper, and Iriafen calmly sank two free throws to trim the deficit to one. Austin then scored inside to finally give Washington a 69–68 advantage with under a minute remaining — their first lead since early in the first quarter. The Aces had multiple chances to respond, but a combination of turnovers and missed shots left the door open. With 4.3 seconds on the clock, Sykes split two free throws to push the lead to two. On the game’s final possession, Young attacked the rim, only for the shot to roll off the front of the rim as time expired. Austin and Sykes Lead the Way Shakira Austin finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, including perhaps the biggest basket of the night. Her presence in the paint altered shots and gave Washington second-chance opportunities at crucial moments. Sykes led all Mystics scorers with 18 points, blending composure and aggression during the decisive run. Rookie Kiki Iriafen added 12 points and eight rebounds, underscoring her importance to the team’s frontcourt rotation. While Sonia Citron struggled from the field early, she contributed key defense down the stretch and helped secure the final rebound. Aces Come Up Just Short Without Wilson Las Vegas was forced to play without A’ja Wilson, who remained sidelined with a wrist injury. Even without their star forward, the Aces led for most of the night thanks to Loyd’s scoring and Gray’s playmaking. Loyd finished with 20 points, and Gray added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Dana Evans contributed 11. But the Aces’ late-game execution faltered, with turnovers and empty possessions allowing Washington to seize control. The loss dropped Las Vegas to 9–11, leaving them searching for consistency amid injuries and a packed schedule. A Season-Defining Win for Washington With the victory, Washington improved to 10–10 and extended its home winning streak to four. It was the Mystics’ sixth win this season after trailing by double digits, a testament to the group’s persistence and belief in its defensive identity. While the offense remained uneven, the combination of Sykes’ perimeter scoring and Austin’s inside presence proved enough to outlast an Aces squad desperate to hold onto the lead. Looking Ahead The Mystics will travel west to meet the Seattle Storm on Sunday, carrying momentum into another critical matchup against a Western Conference contender. Las Vegas, meanwhile, continues to monitor Wilson’s recovery. Her return will be vital as the Aces look to avoid further slippage in the standings and recapture their championship form. For Washington, Thursday night was a powerful reminder that no lead is safe — and no deficit too large — when a team commits to defending together and closing games with purpose.