The Mystics started the second half of the season with a loss
The Washington Mystics entered the All-Star break in the thick of the WNBA playoff chase at 11-11 but couldn’t start the second half of the season on a high note on Tuesday night, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks, 93-86.
The Mystics led 26-16 after one quarter of play — an advantage created behind a balanced scoring attack. Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes scored six points apiece and Kiki Iriafen added five of her own. Sonia Citron didn’t attempt a shot in the opening frame, but her impact was felt, closing the quarter as a +13 in the box score.
Washington’s defense was the story of the first quarter, forcing seven Sparks turnovers that led to numerous fast-break opportunities.
The second quarter began differently, however, as Los Angeles embarked on a 9-1 run to trim its deficit to just two points. That run continued into halftime, with the Sparks winning the second quarter 24-9 to take a five-point lead into the break.
Austin kept Washington afloat early into the third quarter with a trio of baskets, as the Mystics lurked behind and eventually battled back to re-take the lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. That run, as was the case with most runs in this contest, was answered with a 7-0 Sparks flurry to make it 74-71 Los Angeles with under eight minutes remaining.
An interesting stretch came around the mid-way point of the frame when Citron was fouled three times on the same possession by Rae Burrell, leading to a pair of free throws that the Mystics’ rookie sunk.
Washington kept it close until the Sparks decided it was closing time. Rickea Jackson made the Mystics’ defense pay for ducking under a screen, drilling a 3-pointer to grow Los Angeles’ lead to double-digits and essentially end the game.
The Mystics dropped to 11-12 on the season and 7-4 at home. Sykes led Washington with 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Austin tallied 17 points and six rebounds. Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 24 points and 14 rebounds.