WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite a valiant defensive effort, the Mystics fell to the New York Liberty Tuesday night at Entertainment & Sports Arena, 87-71.

Washington held the Liberty to under 50 points in the paint, and under 26% shooting from deep. However, turnovers from the home team (17) limited the Mystics offensively and allowed the Liberty to control the game.

Ariel Atkins scored a game-high 22 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. With three three-pointers in the game, Atkins has made 74 on the season, moving her into fourth most threes made in a season in Mystics history. She officially passes Ivory Latta (72, 2013) and Kristi Toliver (72, 2018), now trailing three threes behind Kristi Tolliver to take third place in Mystics single season history (76, 2017).

Getting her second consecutive start, Emily Engstler finished with seven points and two assists, and led the team with eight rebounds and four blocks. Coming off the bench, Sika Koné continued to impress as she led the league-best second unit in scoring with eight points and five rebounds, while Karlie Samuelson shot a team leading 67% from deep to claim seven points, four assists, and three rebounds.

Concluding their final contest at ESA, Brittney Sykes put up eight points and grabbed five boards, also acquiring a single steal to officially reach 100 steals with the Mystics. Rookie Julie Vanloo finished with eight points, two rebounds, and one assist. She (72) now needs four more threes this season to tie Fever legend Tamika Catchings (76, 1999 season) and Crystal Robinson (76, 2002 season) for the third most made threes by a rookie in WNBA history. Additionally, Vanloo (169) needs eight more assists this season to tie the franchise record for most assists by a rookie in a season (177)–to position her tied for fifth all time in the WNBA. On the brink of history, breakout sixth player Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (269) now needs only one more point off the bench to surpass Tianna Hawkins (272, 2019 season) for the Mystics' most bench points in a season all time.

WHAT'S NEXT

Washington hosts Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at Capital One Arena in a season finale on FAN APPRECIATION night. Special contests, promotions, and giveaways will be featured all game long! Don't miss the most anticipated rematch of the season tip-off on Thursday at 7:00 pm.

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