DALLAS, TX – The Washington Mystics bench assembled an astounding 50 points, leading to a season series sweep against Dallas as the Mystics picked up their fourth win in the last five games.

Washington stayed in command of the game with Ariel Atkins opening scoring for both teams off a baseline jumper assisted by rookie forward Aaliyah Edwards. The team stayed hot, taking a 10-point lead after one quarter of action. In the second quarter the "bench mob" entered the game, spearheaded by Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, who made an energy-changing layup over Dallas' Arike Ogunbowale–converting the extra point at the line. Fellow reserve player Emily Engstler was also a gamechanger upon entering the contest, hitting two early three-pointers and scoring a team-high ten points in the first half.

The second half entailed similar details as the first. Both teams trading baskets, the Wings attempting to pick at the 51-39 lead Washington built in 20 minutes of action. Dallas later went on multiple runs to cut the Mystics' largest lead of the night (16) to five, but were never quite able to recapture the lead. Engstler continued the second half like she did the first, eventually halting the Wings' momentum with a three-pointer from the baseline, her third of the night. Washington held onto their lead despite a furious Dallas comeback, picking up a 90-86 win and claiming all three regular season meetings against the Wings. Engstler piloted the team in each victory, recking havoc on the Wings last night as she finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Wings were pressured heavily on offense, but were unable to overcome the challenge as Washington's defense forced 14 turnovers and kept the host team to 22.2% shooting from behind the arc. This is the sixth time this season where Washington has held their opponent to under 23% and the fifth time their opponent had made four or fewer three-point shots. The Mystics bench led with 50 points, their second most this season after previously scoring 51 points against Dallas on June 22. Shooting 40% from three-point range last night, nine of their 12 coming in the first half–they were able to maintain the lead throughout the latter.

Washington takes second place in the WNBA in three-point percentage (36.4%), trailing closely behind the Minnesota Lynx (38.3%). Tallying 22 assists this season, this marks the Mystics 26th game where they have recorded 20+ assists in a game. The second most by a team this season (Minnesota; 28). Additionally, marking the most 20+ assist games in a single season in franchise history (prior: 2019; 25).

Belgian guard Julie Vanloo (62) is now 11th in WNBA all-time made threes in a rookie season. Heading to Phoenix, she will look to capture one more three to break into the top 10 all-time and pass longtime Mercury player Diana Taurasi (62, 2004 season). Brittney Sykes (296) needs four steals to reach 300 total steals in her career and seven more to reach 100 in a Washington jersey (93).

WHAT'S NEXT

Mystics travel to Phoenix to face the Mercury before returning home to host the Minnesota Lynx at ESA for Pax's Birthday Bash, presented by Xfinity. Tip-off for these teams' final showdown is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

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