CHICAGO, IL – June 18, 2025 – In a display of sheer grit and an undeniable will to win, the Washington Mystics orchestrated a sensational second-half surge, overturning a significant deficit to defeat the Chicago Sky 79-72 at Wintrust Arena today. The architect of this remarkable turnaround? None other than Brittney Sykes, who delivered a season-high 32 points, igniting the Mystics’ improbable comeback and leaving the home crowd stunned.
The game began with the Chicago Sky looking dominant, executing their offense with precision and stifling the Mystics on defense. Led by the powerful duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who both recorded impressive double-doubles, the Sky established an early lead. Reese, with her relentless energy and uncanny ability to draw fouls, notched 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Cardoso showcased her burgeoning talent with 18 points and 10 boards. Chicago’s strong first half saw them take a commanding 44-32 lead into the locker room, seemingly in control of the contest. The energy in Wintrust Arena was palpable, with Sky fans anticipating a comfortable victory.
However, the second half belonged entirely to the Washington Mystics, and more specifically, to Brittney Sykes. Known for her tenacious defense and clutch scoring, Sykes transformed into an offensive force, pouring in 20 of her 32 points after halftime. The Mystics emerged from the break with a renewed intensity, immediately chipping away at the Sky’s advantage. Their defensive pressure tightened, forcing the Sky into costly turnovers – a crucial factor that would ultimately decide the game. Chicago, who shot a respectable 49.2% from the field, was undone by a staggering 22 turnovers, many of which came at critical junctures.
The third quarter saw the Mystics completely flip the script, outscoring the Sky 24-12 to tie the game at 56-56 heading into the final frame. Sykes’s relentless attacking, combined with crucial assists from Sug Sutton, provided the offensive spark Washington desperately needed. Every bucket felt like a dagger to the Sky’s fading momentum.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Mystics maintained their aggressive play. Sykes continued to deliver, hitting a clutch three-pointer to extend Washington’s lead and later converting a vital three-point play after drawing a foul on Reese. Even when the Sky managed to cut the lead to a single point, Sykes was there, grabbing a critical offensive rebound in traffic that led to a Kiki Iriafen basket, essentially sealing the victory. Washington’s Sonia Citron also contributed significantly with 13 points and 9 rebounds, providing crucial support in the comeback effort.
This victory is a testament to the Mystics’ resilience and their ability to stay composed under pressure. For the Chicago Sky, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the strong performances from their young stars in Reese and Cardoso, the excessive turnovers proved to be their Achilles’ heel. This WNBA game serves as a stark reminder that in professional basketball, no lead is safe, and momentum can shift in an instant.
The Mystics will undoubtedly carry this hard-fought victory as a confidence booster as they continue their WNBA season. For the Sky, this loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in ball security and closing out games. The Mystics vs Sky matchup lived up to its billing as an exciting, back-and-forth battle, providing WNBA fans with a thrilling display of women’s basketball.
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