Mystics' Unyielding Momentum: A Sixth Straight Triumph
Dominant Start and Early Lead for Washington
The game began with the Atlanta Dream scoring the initial three points, but their momentum quickly faded. The Mystics, spearheaded by Sonia Citron's seven points, launched a commanding 13-0 run. This offensive burst established an 11-point lead for Washington. Although Rhyne Howard managed to break Atlanta's scoring drought with a three-pointer, Washington maintained control. Key plays from Prosper and Austin further extended the Mystics' advantage, closing the first quarter with a 17-6 lead.
Mystics Maintain Control Despite Dream's Efforts
Despite Brionna Jones' early second-quarter basket for the Dream, Washington continued to build on its lead, extending it to eight points. Allisha Gray then rallied for Atlanta, scoring seven consecutive points to narrow the deficit to 27-24. However, the Mystics responded with another five-point run. Gray answered with a three-pointer, bringing her total to 10 points in the period. The Mystics then closed the first half with a decisive 10-3 run, capped by Cotie McMahon's seven points, giving them a comfortable 42-30 halftime lead.
Atlanta's Second-Half Surge and Washington's Resilience
Coming out of halftime, the Dream intensified their efforts. Allisha Gray scored five points and Rhyne Howard added four, cutting Washington's 12-point halftime lead to 47-39 early in the third quarter. The Mystics, however, quickly countered with five points of their own before Gray hit two more field goals for the Dream. Lauren Betts, contributing with 11 rebounds and her only two field goals, along with four points from Prosper, helped Washington regain a commanding 62-46 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Clutch Plays Secure Victory for the Mystics
The fourth quarter saw Rhyne Howard ignite a comeback attempt for Atlanta, sinking three three-pointers within the first four minutes and eight seconds, bringing the Dream within seven points at 67-60. Nevertheless, Shakira Austin rose to the occasion, scoring two baskets and assisting on Prosper's layup, pushing the Mystics' lead back to 11 points. Despite Washington missing four out of ten free throws in the final three minutes and twelve seconds, which allowed the Dream to close the gap to 77-74 with 32 seconds remaining, Austin sealed the victory with a crucial drive to the basket with 9.7 seconds left, concluding the scoring at 79-74.
