Lloyd’s Go-Ahead Three Propels Aces Over Mystics (5-23-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: WNBA

PARADISE, NV – Aja Wilson found guard Jewell Lloyd in the left corner for the game-winning 3-point shot with 1.9 seconds left on the clock, leading the Aces to a 75-72, come-from-behind victory over the Mystics Friday evening. 

Las Vegas (2-1) wins its second straight after dropping the season opener to the defending champion New York Liberty back on May 17th. 

Jackie Young led the Aces, scoring 25 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field, with five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Young scored 15 of her total 25 points in the fourth quarter alone. 

Young forced a key turnover in the final minute of the game, which led to her making a layup to cut it to a two-point game with 39.2 seconds remaining. The Aces then forced a shot clock violation on the Mystics’ ensuing possession. Followed by Aja Wilson finding the cutting Young to tie the game with 11.1 on the clock.

The Mystics’ rookie duo is DIFFERENT🌟

Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen combined for 36 PTS vs. the Las Vegas Aces!

S. Citron: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 4 3PM
K. Iriafen: 17 PTS, 13 REB, 2 AST

Kiki also became the first rookie in Washington franchise history to record three… pic.twitter.com/XzQTT0m16o

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 24, 2025

Wilson finished with her third-straight double-double in the season’s first three games. She scored 15 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out five assists, had two steals, and a block. 

Their rookie duo of Kiki Irafen and Sonia Citron led the way for Washington (2-2). Irafen had 17 points and 13 rebounds, securing her third-straight double-double. Citron scored 19 points on 6-of-11 field goal shooting, and 4-of-6 from behind the arc.

The Mystics were without Shakira Austin (concussion protocol), Britney Sykes (right lower leg), and Aaliyah Edwards (lower back contusion). 

Washington led the majority of the game, eclipsing a 12-point advantage in the third with 3:47 on the clock after Jade Melbourne knocked down a 27-foot three-point jumper. 

However, the Mystics would surrender an eight-point lead in the final three minutes, highlighted by a key block by Vegas forward Kiah Stokes on Melbourne’s potential go-ahead layup, setting up the game-winner on the offensive end. 

Up Next:

The Mystics close out their four-game road trip this afternoon against the Phoenix Mercury at 6 p.m. ET.