The Washington Mystics nearly erased a 17-point deficit on Thursday night, but their late push came up just short. A potential game-winner from Brittney Sykes narrowly missed at the buzzer, and the Mystics fell 68–67 to the Golden State Valkyries at CareFirst Arena.

Washington showed resilience in the second half, but couldn’t quite overcome Golden State’s early shooting and a timely go-ahead basket in the final minute.

First Quarter: Early Runs and Hot Shooting

Both teams came out shooting well, but the Valkyries quickly found their rhythm. Temi Fagbenle scored six early points, and Iliana Rupert knocked down a deep three to help Golden State build an early lead.

Sug Sutton who drilled a 25-foot three for Washington led early with five points, but the Valkyries went on a 9-0 run at the end of the period. Three free throws from Kate Martin pushed the lead to double digits. Kiki Iriafen hit a jumper to make it 30–20 after one.

Washington shot 50% from the field in the opening quarter. Golden State was even sharper, finishing the period 10-of-14 (71.4%).

Second Quarter: Fighting to Stay Within Reach

Golden State opened the second, going on a 6–0 run to extend the lead to 16. Washington answered with buckets from Iriafen and Jade Melbourne, who also added a free throw.

The Mystics found momentum late in the quarter. A three-pointer from Melbourne sparked a 7–0 run that cut the lead to 10. Still, the Valkyries closed the half strong. Two late free throws from Rupert gave Golden State a 46–34 lead at the break.

Iriafen led the Mystics with eight points and four boards at halftime. Rupert and Burton combined for 21 points for the visitors.

Third Quarter: Citron Sparks a Late Surge

The Mystics came out swinging to start the second half. Iriafen scored inside, and Sykes followed with back-to-back buckets, including a deep three, to pull within five.

Golden State answered with three-pointers from Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite. Each time Washington chipped away, Golden State found a response.

That is until momentum shifted late in the quarter. Emily Engstler blocked Leite’s long three, leading to a fast-break corner three from Sonia Citron. The rookie scored 10 points in the final 2:34 of the frame, including another from beyond the arc, which led Washington to close the gap to 62–55 heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: A Furious Rally Falls Just Short

The Mystics kept pushing. Austin and Engstler hit back-to-back shots, and rookie Lucy Olsen tied the game with her first three of the night. Moments later, Engstler hit from deep to give Washington its first lead of the night 65-64.

Golden State reclaimed the lead with a midrange jumper from Fagbenle. What followed was a scoring drought from both sides that lasted more than four minutes. With 1:15 left, Austin gave the Mystics a 67–66 advantage. But the Valkyries answered immediately. Salaün drove in for a layup to make it 68–67.

After a clutch steal from Austin with under five seconds remaining, the Mystics had one final possession. Sykes drove to the rim, but her shot fell just short as time expired.

Washington will hit the road for its next four games starting with the Atlanta Dream on Sunday afternoon.

Mystics Game Notes