Shakira Austin continued to lead the way for Washington, scoring 19 points.
The Washington Mystics got back in the win column—and they earned this one. Washington held off the Minnesota Lynx 68-64 on Tuesday night, grinding out a defensive battle behind big performances from Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen and Sug Sutton.
Austin anchored the paint on both ends, setting the tone with physicality and making life difficult for Minnesota’s frontcourt, scoring 19 points. Iriafen adied 11 points and 11 rebounds. Sutton kept the Mystics organized throughout, adding 12 points of her own.
Minnesota led 63-62 with just over three minutes to play, but Washington clamped down. A late shot from Sutton helped seal it with second left to play, and Washington’s defense held Minnesota scoreless for nearly the entire final three minutes.
Alanna Smith led the way for the Lynx with 26 points.
The Mystics’ next game is on Thursday when they play the Las Vegas Aces on the road. Tip off is at 10 p.m. ET. See you then.