Mystics Slip Past Aces 70-68 (7-10-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
FAIRFAX, VA — Shakira Austin made a putback shot with 39.8 seconds left on the clock that ended up being the game-winning basket for the Washington Mystics in a tight, 70-68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces at Eagle Bank Arena Thursday evening.
Washington (10-10) went on a key 12-2 run to finish the game, and they fell behind 66-58 with 3:45 remaining.
Las Vegas (9-11) took its largest lead, 46-31, in the third quarter after Chelsea Grey hit a pull-up jumper. The Aces created its lead after outscoring the Mystics 25-12 in the second quarter.
After the Mystics took the go-ahead lead in the final minute, the Aces had three opportunities to tie or take the lead. Jackie Young missed a layup attempt, followed by a turnover on the next offensive possession, and a final layup attempt by Young that rimmed in and out of the basket.
The Aces were without superstar A”ja Wilson, who injured her wrist after landing awkwardly on a fall the night before against the New York Liberty. Wilson had an MRI done, but the results have not been released yet.
Jewell Lloyd led the Aces with 20 points, Gray added 13 points, and Danna Evans scored 11 off the bench.
Guard Brittney Sykes scored 18 for the Mystics and had a game-high plus-eight rating on the floor. Austin finished with 16 points. Kiki Irafen scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Up Next:
The Mystics take the road heading northwest to face off against the Seattle Storm on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
