Seattle, WA – In a clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Washington Mystics orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Seattle Storm 74-69 at Climate Pledge Arena. This thrilling encounter, highlighted by a dominant late-game surge from the Mystics, showcased the grit and determination that defines WNBA basketball.
The atmosphere in Seattle was electric as two competitive teams locked horns, each vying for crucial mid-season positioning. The Storm, boasting a strong 13-8 record coming into the game, were looking to assert their dominance on home court, while the Mystics, at 10-10, sought to push above .500 and solidify their playoff aspirations. What transpired was a tightly contested affair, a true ebb and flow of momentum that culminated in a nail-biting finish.
From the opening tip, it was clear this wouldn’t be a runaway victory for either side. Both teams exchanged blows, with defensive intensity dictating much of the pace. The Storm, led by the versatile Ezi Magbegor, who put up a season-high 19 points, found success inside. Her ability to score in the paint and occasionally stretch the floor kept the Mystics’ defense honest. Veteran presence Nneka Ogwumike also contributed significantly for Seattle, adding 16 points and showcasing her signature efficiency. Skylar Diggins, with 10 points and valuable assists, ensured the Storm’s offense kept ticking.
However, the Mystics, even when trailing, refused to buckle. Their resilience was evident throughout, but it truly ignited in the final frame. Trailing heading into the fourth quarter, Washington unleashed a furious 15-4 run that completely flipped the script. At the heart of this transformative period was the dynamic Brittney Sykes. Sykes, who had been solid all game, elevated her play to an elite level when it mattered most, pouring in 10 of her game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter alone. Her aggressive drives to the basket and clutch finishes were instrumental in chipping away at the Storm’s lead and eventually putting the Mystics ahead.
But Sykes wasn’t alone in the Mystics’ late-game heroics. Rookie sensation Sonia Citron, who continues to impress in her debut season, also played a pivotal role. Citron finished with an impressive 17 points, making key buckets during the crucial fourth-quarter run, including a timely three-pointer and a driving layup that showcased her burgeoning talent and composure under pressure. Her connection with fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen, who also had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, is becoming a formidable force for Washington.
As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable. Ogwumike managed to cut the Mystics’ lead to a single point with a well-executed layup in the waning seconds, keeping the Seattle faithful hopeful. Yet, Sykes, demonstrating why she’s considered a true closer, responded immediately with a crucial driving layup despite the shot clock winding down. A subsequent turnover by Skylar Diggins and a pair of Sykes free throws sealed the 74-69 victory for the Mystics.
For the Storm, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, particularly after leading for much of the contest. Their field goal percentage, a modest 36%, ultimately hampered their ability to hold off the surging Mystics. The team will need to re-group quickly as they prepare to host Golden State in their next fixture. Meanwhile, the Mystics, now boasting an 11-10 record, have propelled themselves above .500 and are building significant momentum as they head into a road game against Los Angeles.
This WNBA Mystics vs Storm showdown will be remembered for its thrilling finish and the individual brilliance of players like Brittney Sykes and Sonia Citron. It’s a testament to the competitive nature of the league and another classic chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two talented franchises.
