WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a game that possessed four ties and several lead changes, the Washington Mystics held their own against a playoff-bound Connecticut Sun despite a 96-85 loss.

Rookie Aaliyah Edwards - starting her second straight game - scored the first field goal for the team in the paint, followed by a consistent exchange of baskets throughout the quarter, ending in a 20-14 Sun advantage. The Mystics made a run in the second quarter, beginning with a three-pointer from from Karlie Samuelson and highlighted by the bench play of Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Emily Engstler. Ariel Atkins collected her 300th career steal and scored three points the other way to tie the game at 25. Washington went into the locker room down one possession, 45-42.

The Mystics avoided an injury scare in the third quarter. Guard Brittney Sykes was carried off the court with a left foot injury. Officially ruled Questionable to return to the contest, Slim checked back into the game in the fourth quarter to a loud ovation from the crowd.

Despite the outcome of this Eastern Conference rivalry, Ariel Atkins led the Mystics in scoring with 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Dolson followed closely behind putting 14 points on the board, with seven rebounds and two assists–going 4-5 from behind the arc.

Finishing the game with eight points, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (223) has now surpassed her previous high of bench points in a season (219, 2019 season)–ranking her sixth all-time in franchise history. "Ever since we've had her, she's been consistent about her work. You never have to worry about her being prepared," head coach Eric Thibault stated, praising Walker-Kimbrough in the postgame press conference. Additionally, the breakout guard is top five all-time in bench points with the Mystics, surpassing Tianna Hawkins' 2017 season record (222).

Hitting the road, Brittney Sykes (296) will look to capture four steals to reach 300 total steals in her career. Achieving 93 of those steals with the Mystics, she also needs seven more to reach 100 with the team. Rookie Julie Vanloo (58) needs five more made threes to break into the WNBA top 10 all-time in threes made in a rookie season and pass longtime Mercury player Diana Taurasi's record (62, 2004 season).

For the 14th game this season, the Mystics recorded 10+ three-pointers in a game, totaling 46.7% from behind the arc in today's contest. Marking the third most games by a team this season. The team is second in the WNBA in three-point percentage, shooting 35.8%. Leading the team and the league is Stephanie Dolson, who ranks first in percentage from behind the arc with 47.6%. Washington has shot 45.0% or better from three-point range on six occasions, the second most games in the WNBA this season. This contest marks the 25th game this season the team has recorded 20 or more assists in a game, capturing 23 assists today.

WHAT’S NEXT

Washington heads back on the road for a two-game stretch 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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