Washington Mystics Secure Narrow Victory Over Seattle Storm in a Tense Finish
In a closely contested matchup at Seattle, the Washington Mystics edged out the Storm with a final score of 74-69, thanks in large part to a clutch performance in the fourth quarter by Brittney Sykes. Sykes contributed 10 of her total 19 points during this decisive period, helping her team secure their third consecutive victory.
Key Performances and Franchise Records
Washington’s Kiki Iriafen delivered a double-double effort, tallying 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Her six double-doubles this season match the franchise record for a rookie, previously set by Chamique Holdsclaw. Meanwhile, Sonia Citron added a significant 17 points, providing crucial support in the final moments.
Seattle’s Standout Players and Recent Additions
For the Storm, Ezi Magbegor led the scoring with a season-high 19 points, complemented by Nneka Ogwumike’s 16 points and Skylar Diggins’ 10. Notably, recent acquisition Tiffany Mitchell, who joined the team just days earlier after being waived by the Las Vegas Aces, contributed 12 points, demonstrating her immediate impact.
Climactic Moments and Game-Deciding Plays
With less than a minute remaining, Ogwumike drove to the basket to narrow the gap to 70-69. However, Sykes responded swiftly with a driving layup under pressure, extending the Mystics’ lead. A critical mistake by Diggins, stepping out of bounds with 17 seconds left, allowed Sykes to seal the game by sinking two free throws. This sequence cemented the Mystics’ victory and their winning streak.
Historical Achievements and Player Highlights
Skylar Diggins also made her mark by recording four assists, tying her with Natasha Cloud of the New York Liberty for eighth place on the WNBA’s all-time assist list with 1,638 career assists. Meanwhile, Gabby Williams of Seattle suffered an injury late in the game, leaving the court limping after scoring six points on 2-for-9 shooting, along with five rebounds and four assists.
Team Shooting and Final Statistics
The Storm struggled offensively, shooting only 36 percent from the field (25 of 69 attempts), which contributed to their defeat. Despite a valiant effort, Seattle was unable to overcome the Mystics’ resilience in the closing minutes, ultimately falling short in a game marked by intense competition and strategic plays.