Brittney Sykes played a pivotal role in the Washington Mystics’ victory, scoring nine of her 27 points in the final quarter. This effort helped the Mystics secure a 90-85 win against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
The Mystics outperformed Connecticut with a 30-20 advantage in the fourth quarter, marking their second win of the season. Washington had missed the playoffs in 2024 with a 14-26 record.
Washington’s rookie starters made significant contributions to the game. Kiki Iriafen achieved 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Sonia Citron added 15 points to their tally. Meanwhile, Tina Charles led the Sun with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa contributed 18 points. Despite these efforts, Connecticut struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only three of their 14 attempts.
The Mystics demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, converting 51.6% of their field goals throughout the game. They trailed by five points at the end of the third quarter but took their first lead when Stefanie Dolson sank a three-pointer with just over five minutes remaining. Although Nelson-Ododa briefly put Connecticut back ahead, Citron’s three-point play soon restored Washington’s lead.
As time dwindled down, Marina Mabrey had an opportunity to tie for Connecticut but missed her three-point attempt. Citron then secured Washington’s victory by making two free throws. The Mystics’ strong finish ensured they maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
The Minnesota Lynx also enjoyed a successful weekend, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 89-75 on Sunday to maintain their perfect start to the season. Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 23 points, supported by Alanna Smith’s 18 points and four successful three-pointers. Courtney Williams contributed significantly with 13 points and ten assists.
Despite Azura Stevens leading Los Angeles with 21 points and Dearica Hamby adding another double-double performance of 20 points and ten rebounds, it wasn’t enough for victory. Kelsey Plum scored 18 points but struggled with her shooting accuracy.
The Sparks initially held a narrow lead early in the second half before Minnesota responded decisively with a nine-point run that shifted momentum permanently in their favour. The Lynx capitalised on turnovers to extend their advantage further into double digits.
Lynx Dominate Fourth Quarter
Minnesota sealed their win by scoring eleven consecutive points during an explosive fourth-quarter stretch. Karlie Samuelson and Smith initiated this surge with back-to-back three-pointers before Collier completed it by adding two more baskets herself-extending Minnesota’s lead comfortably as time ran out.
Napheesa Collier has been instrumental for Minnesota so far this season; after scoring an impressive thirty-four points last Friday night against another opponent earlier last week-she continued her excellent form against Los Angeles too!