WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Mystics got the win at home Friday against the Los Angeles Sparks in front of a sellout crowd with attendance from Washington legend, Alana Beard.

The Mystics outscored the Los Angeles Sparks 80-74 in their first win since the All-Star break, tallying 23 assists and shooting 45.2% from field as a team. Tonight proved to be huge for Player of the Game Brittney Sykes, as she showcased her dominance in her second game back from injury. Sykes led both teams in scoring with 28 points, shooting 60% from field. She also claimed 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

The second-highest scorer of the game, Ariel Atkins, totaled 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, hitting 42.9% from three-point range. During the post-game press conference, Atkins cited how important it was to get the win on Alana’s Hall of Fame night, stating, “She’s a legend in her own right. To have her presence here is insane.” Her and Sykes are both very familiar with Beard’s game, being players that appreciate the defensive aspect of the sport and recognizing the impact the legend left behind.

Shakira Austin claimed a double-double, putting up 14 points and 11 rebounds. Austin also finished the game with three steals, making this the fourth-straight game and the seventh time in her career where she’s tallied 3+ steals. With three steals each from Atkins and Austin, this marks the fourth time this season that the Mystics have had 3+ steals from multiple players on the same night.

Rookie Aaliyah Edwards (149) needs one more rebound this season to surpass Stef Dolson (149, 2014 season) to break into the franchise’s top five most rebounds in a rookie season.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Washington Mystics hit the road on a two-game stretch before returning to Entertainment & Sports Arena to host the Connecticut Sun for the final time this season. This Eastern Conference showdown is scheduled to commence Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. 

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