Brittany Sykes’ 30 points weren’t enough
The Washington Mystics lost to the Golden State Valkyries 76–74 at Chase Center on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to fall to 2-1 on the season.
Washington found itself in an early 11-4 hole before embarking on a 7-0 run to close the opening frame with a narrow 14-11 lead. Golden State’s Veronica Burton sank a 38-foot heave at the second-quarter buzzer to lift her squad ahead, 31-30, at halftime.
Brittany Sykes tallied 11 points in the first half to keep Washington afloat before coming alive out of the break. The guard drained a pair of triples, a pair of mid-range jumpers and assisted on a Stefanie Dolson layup as the Mystics took a 42-35 advantage.
Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton was unstoppable to close the third quarter, mounting a personal 5-0 run to retake the lead, 46-45. Golden State led 47-46 entering the final frame as the WNBA’s newest franchise searched for its first-ever regular-season victory.
Sykes’ domination continued in the final frame, sinking a pair of free throws and a contested 3-pointer to give herself 26 points and keep Washington narrowly ahead. After back-and-forth action saw Washington take a two-point lead into the final two minutes, Burton drilled a triple to give Golden State a late lead.
Thornton followed with an and-1 triple to before Burton sunk a dagger three to blow the contest open in the final minute. Golden State took a 73-66 lead and never looked back, as the Valkyries defeated the Mystics 76-74 to capture their first WNBA victory.
Sykes led Washington with 30 points on 8-19 FG. Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen scored 10 points apiece.