Full Breakdown
Mystics Pull Off Late-Game Upsets Over Aces and Valkyries
7/23/2026, 2:31:08 PM
Dramatic One-Point Victory Over Las Vegas Aces
On Wednesday night the Washington Mystics erased a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Las Vegas Aces 100-99. Shakira Austin scored 25 points, including a decisive three-point play with 12.8 seconds left after an offensive rebound. Sonia Citron added 20 points and hit four free throws in the final minute, while Lauren Betts contributed 13 off the bench.
A’ja Wilson posted a game-high 38 points on 12-of-16 shooting for the Aces, who were outrebounded 34-24 and fell behind 46-45 after Citron’s free throws with 43 seconds left.
End of Golden State Valkyries’ Nine-Game Streak
The Mystics followed the Aces win with a fourth-quarter surge on Monday night that snapped the Golden State Valkyries’ nine-game streak. Washington poured in 36 fourth-quarter points, finishing with a 90-82 victory after a 22-5 run.
Kiki Iriafen led Washington with 23 points and 12 rebounds; Lauren Betts added 13. Valkyries forward Kaitlyn Chen scored a career-high 20, and Kayla Thornton had 15, but the team could not withstand the Mystics’ interior attack.
Key Performers
- Shakira Austin (Mystics) – 25 points, decisive three-point play.
- Sonia Citron (Mystics) – 20 points, clutch free throws.
- A’ja Wilson (Aces) – 38 points, 12-of-16 shooting.
- Kiki Iriafen (Mystics) – 23 points, 12 rebounds.
- Kaitlyn Chen (Valkyries) – 20 points.
Official Statements & Responses
- Becky Hammon (Aces head coach) emphasized defensive accountability after the loss.
- Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (Mystics forward) highlighted the team’s focus on daily defensive improvement.
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries player) praised Washington’s effort while acknowledging her own team’s shortcomings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As great as our basketball players are, they’re just as great humans, so that’s really cool to be around,” — Brianna Turner
- “Our focus as a team is to get better every day, especially on defense,” — Cheyenne Parker-Tyus
- “Really proud of us, honestly, I think that was also a message,” — Veronica Burton
- “You don’t win that many games without handling adversity well. Today was just sort of a tough one,” — Kaitlyn Chen
Why It Matters
Both victories came just before the All-Star break and moved the Mystics into a stronger playoff position. After the Aces win, Washington held a 2.5-game lead for the final postseason spot; the Valkyries’ loss dropped them to third in the standings.
What’s Next
- The Las Vegas Aces host Portland on Tuesday.
- The Washington Mystics host Connecticut on Tuesday, beginning a six-game homestand.
- The Golden State Valkyries head into the All-Star break in third place.
