Mystics close on a 12-2 run to beat the short-handed Aces 70-68

The Washington Mystics pulled off a thrilling 70-68 victory over the short-handed Las Vegas Aces in a nail-biting WNBA showdown. Brittney Sykes led the charge for the Mystics with 18 points, while Shakira Austin added 16 points and eight rebounds to secure the win.

The game was a closely contested battle, with Las Vegas holding a slim lead late in the fourth quarter. However, a 12-2 run by the Mystics in the closing minutes turned the tide in their favor. Austin’s clutch offensive rebound and put-back with less than a minute remaining gave Washington their first lead since the first quarter.

Despite a valiant effort by Las Vegas, they were unable to regain the lead in the final moments of the game. Sykes sealed the victory for the Mystics with a crucial free throw in the dying seconds, ensuring a two-point cushion. The Aces had a final opportunity to tie the game, but a missed layup by Jackie Young sealed their fate.

Kiki Iriafen also made significant contributions for the Mystics, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds. The victory marked the fourth consecutive home win for Washington, highlighting their strong form in front of their fans.

The absence of reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson loomed large for the Aces, as her injured right wrist kept her sidelined for the game. Wilson, a three-time MVP, sustained the injury in a previous matchup and underwent an MRI for further evaluation.

In the end, the Mystics’ resilience and composure down the stretch propelled them to a hard-fought victory over a tough opponent. The win solidifies Washington’s position in the standings and sets them up for continued success in the remainder of the season.

For more WNBA coverage and updates, visit https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball.