The Washington Mystics returned home on Wednesday to face the streaking Golden State Valkyries, who entered the contest winners of two straight games. Golden State kept that winning streak alive, defeating the Mystics 88-83.
Golden State wasted no time showcasing its offensive prowess, outscoring the home team 30-12 in the opening frame. Washington responded with an improved 16-16 showing in the second quarter, but Golden State remained in firm control, entering the halftime break ahead, 46-28.
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Mystics looked like a different team after halftime, trimming their deficit to just nine points behind a pair of lengthy scoring bursts, but Golden State responded with a 13-2 run to break the game open once again.
Washington mounted one final push behind the sharpshooting of Emily Engstler, who scored 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting off the bench. Then, rookie guard Sonia Citron came alive, tallying an and-1 before draining a clutch 3-pointer to make it a four-point game with under two minutes remaining.
Golden State countered with a layup, but Washington answered again with a Sug Sutton 3-pointer. And just like that, the Valkyries led 86-83 with 53.2 seconds remaining in a game that seemed out of reach minutes before.
Washington earned a defensive stop to give itself a chance to tie, but Kiki Iriafen missed a layup, leading to free throws on the other end.
Washington’s late-game surge wasn’t enough, as Golden State squeaked out a road victory. The Mystics fell to 0-3 against Golden State and 14-18 overall.
