In College Park, Georgia, the Washington Mystics emerged victorious with a close 92-91 win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. Allisha Gray led the way with 18 points as all five Washington starters reached double figures. Brionna Jones contributed 14 points for Atlanta, while Rhyne Howard added 13 points and six assists. Jordin Canada chipped in with 11 points, and Brittney Griner scored 10.
Emily Engstler made a crucial basket with 31.7 seconds left, and despite some missed opportunities by Atlanta, Brittney Sykes couldn’t convert all her late free throws, finishing 10 of 11 from the line. Shakira Austin shined for Washington with a career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Sykes had 21 points and eight assists, and Sonia Citron scored 17.
A key 10-0 run by Citron and Austin brought the Mystics within striking distance in the final minutes. Ultimately, a clutch performance by Gray, including key free throws, secured the win for Washington. Despite a late push by Atlanta, highlighted by a Griner jumper and a three-pointer by Gray, the Mystics held on for the victory.
Both teams will be back in action on Sunday, with the Dream facing off against Chicago, and the Mystics taking on Dallas.
