Not an ideal result for the playoff race.
The Washington Mystics lost to the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, 79-68.
This game was called very tightly with both teams combining for 36 total fouls. Both teams also combined for 38 free throw attempts. It lead to a sloppy game, during parts of the game.
Shakira Austin made her presence felt throughout this game. Her energy was felt on both sides of the floor. At times, she was overly aggressive, picked up some bad fouls and a technical foul, but overall, she gave the team a much needed boost. She finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. The returning Brittney Sykes finished with 11 points as well.
Overall for the Mystics, this game started out as a back and forth affair with both teams building leads at parts in each of the first 3 quarters, only for the other team to crawl right back in the game. There were a total of 15 lead changes going into the 4th quarter.
This game was decided in midway through the 4th quarter when the game was tied at 63. A Courtney Williams 3-pointer, followed by two more Lynx baskets after empty possessions by the Mystics, put the Lynx up 70-63. The Mystics would not get any closer than 5 as they lose their first game out of the Olympic Break.
Next up, the Mystics will face the Lynx in Washington, DC on Saturday afternoon.