WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington clawed back from a 12-point third quarter deficit to head into its second overtime of the season before falling to the Dream, 76-73.

In their first of three home games to close out the regular season, the Mystics showed true grit in a tug of war against the Atlanta Dream. The team struggled offensively to open the home matchup vs. the Dream; however, they soon found hope in the bench mob's Karlie Samuelson and Jade Melbourne. The duo came off the bench impacting the game early from three-point range, making them the first members of the second unit to get on the board.

With the second quarter presenting a similar back-and-forth tussle, the third showcased several energizing plays where Washington seemed likely to capsize the Dream's lead. Fueled by Sika Kone's three-point banger...

...and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough's tough and-1 conversion....

...the team began to click on all cylinders. They displayed brilliant ball movement to go on a 14-2 run in the third–tying the score at 52. The Mystics defense also suffocated Atlanta into sub-30% shooting from the field and behind the arc.

Although the Mystics saw their best shooting quarter in the fourth, going 50% from both field goal and three-point range, Atlanta held steady defensively. As the clock winded down, both teams began exchanging blows, attempting to close out the final quarter on top. Nonetheless, their efforts proved futile as the buzzer sounded with a tethered score of 70.

For the second time this season, the Mystics headed into overtime. Emily Engstler, who opened scoring for both teams in the added five minutes of play, got her first start of the season tonight. That bucket proved to be Washington's only points in the extra period, as Atlanta narrowly pulled away to win by a basket.

Ariel Atkins’ 16 points led the team in scoring, setting a career-high in three pointers made in a season with 71, and surpassing her previous high of 70 made threes in 2022. The star guard is one of three Mystics players to make 70+ three pointers this season, joining current teammates Stefanie Dolson and Julie Vanloo.

As the second highest scorer for Washington, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough led the bench in points with 13. Walker-Kimbrough surpassed Ivory Latta (263, 2017 season) for second all-time in bench points in a season in Mystics history (269). Likely to accomplish before the end of the season, she now needs three more points off the bench to break Tianna Hawkins’ franchise record for a season (272, 2019 season).

WHAT'S NEXT

The Mystics remain at home to host the New York Liberty for the final time at Entertainment & Sports Arena. The matchup will commence Tuesday at 7:00 pm.

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