Sykes’ Late Layup Propels Mystics Over Dream (5-16-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: Washington Mystics 

WASHINGTON D.C. – A late go-ahead one-handed scoop layup by guard Brittney Sykes gave the Mystics a 92-90 lead with 27 seconds left, and ultimately was the game-winning basket over the Atlanta Dream.

Sykes started off the game slowly, only scoring three first-half points. However, she ultimately came up huge in the second half, scoring 19 of her 22 total points. Her biggest play came on the inbound after her go-ahead layup, as she stole the inbound pass and saved it, dishing out a pass to Sonia Citron. First-year head coach Sydney Johnson picked up his first win in his debut with the Mystics.

The Dream (0-1) took its biggest lead in the second quarter at the 7:29 mark, leading 36-24 after a three-pointer by Nia Coffey. Four of the five Atlanta starters finished in double figures. 

Britney Griner scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Brionna Jones picked up a double-double in her debut, scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Allisha Gray led the way with 25 points and hit six 3-pointers. 

On the Washington side, the number three overall pick, Citron, scored 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field, and went 2-of-2 from three. 

Fellow draftee and teammate Kiki Iriafen scored 14 points, to go along with four rebounds and two assists before fouling out in 28 minutes of play. 

The Mystics (1-0) forced Atlanta into 16 turnovers and scored 20 points off them. 

Shakira Austin (right leg) and Aaliyah Edwards (back) missed the opener. Jordin Canada didn’t play for Atlanta due to a knee injury. 

Up Next:

Washington takes the road for its next four contests, beginning against Connecticut on Sunday at 1 p.m.