Washington, D.C. — The Washington Mystics dug deep in crunch time, closing the game on a decisive 6–0 run to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 68–64 Tuesday night, snapping a four-game losing streak to the Western Conference power.
With the game knotted at 64, Shakira Austin delivered the spark, converting a clutch offensive rebound into the game-tying basket with just 32 seconds left. On the next possession, chaos ensued when Bridget Carleton’s inbound pass slipped through the hands of Courtney Williams. Sug Sutton reacted first, scooping up the loose ball and racing in for the go-ahead layup. Rookie guard Sonia Citron iced the game at the line, knocking down two free throws with 6.4 seconds on the clock.
Austin led the Mystics (7–8) with 19 points, while Sutton added 12 points and Citron finished with 9. Despite a tough shooting night (3-of-13), Citron’s free throws secured the win. Kiki Iriafen posted an impressive 11-point, 11-rebound double-double, including a key jumper with 5:12 remaining that briefly gave Washington a 62–61 lead.
The Mystics endured a nearly five-minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter but clamped down defensively, holding Minnesota to just nine points in the final period—their lowest-scoring quarter of the season. Washington also limited the Lynx to 27 points in the second half, a season-low.
Minnesota (12–2) was without All-Star Napheesa Collier (back injury) for the second consecutive game. Alanna Smith stepped up with a career-high 26 points, and Jessica Shepard contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds, but the Lynx struggled down the stretch.
Key struggles for the Lynx:
Shot just 3-for-18 from three-point range (16.7%) — a season-best defensive mark for the Mystics.
Missed eight free throws (17-of-25).
Committed 19 turnovers, which Washington turned into 26 points — the Mystics are now 5–0 when scoring 20+ off turnovers.
Additional Mystics Highlights:
First win over Minnesota since August 29, 2023.
Have now won three of their last four games.
Logged a season-high 14 offensive rebounds, improving to 4–2 when grabbing 10+.
Held opponents below 20% from three for the first time this season.
Recorded 10+ steals for the third time in four games.
Washington’s relentless effort on both ends continues to pay dividends, with their defensive identity solidifying as the season progresses.
