Latest news with #WashingtonMystics
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Recap: Mystics implode late in loss to Aces
The Washington Mystics lost to the Las Vegas Aces 75–72 at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday, May 23, 2025, to fall to 2-2 on the season. A balanced scoring effort propelled Washington to an early 18-16 lead after the opening frame. That advantage continued as the Mystics grew a 10-point lead behind seven points and six rebounds from rookie forward Kiki Iriafen and a pair of triple from rookie guard Sonia Citron. Advertisement That lead was short-lived, as Las Vegas stormed back with a 13-5 run to trim their deficit to two points entering the final minutes of the first half. The Mystics responded with a 9-2 run of their own to enter the break ahead, 42-33. Iriafen led all scorers with 11 points and seven rebounds. Citron and Jade Melbourne each drilled for a pair of buckets midway through the third to keep Washington ahead by double-digits. The Mystics maintained a 59-50 lead entering the final quarter as they looked to knock off the Aces. Defense dominated the opening minutes of the fourth, as Washington led 63-55 with 5:54 remaining in regulation. With Las Vegas hanging around, the Mystics' rookies stepped up down the stretch. Iriafen grabbed an offensive rebound en route to a put-back layup before Citron sank a clutch and-1 layup to grow Washington's lead to nine with 3:49 remaining. The Aces didn't go down easily. Jackie Young and Dana Evans embarked on a 7-0 run to make it a 68-66 Mystics lead with two minutes to play as Michelob ULTRA Arena came alive. Citron, like she'd done all night, silenced the crowd once more with a clutch 3-pointer to give Washington some breathing room before Melbourne sank 1-of-2 free throws for a 72-66 advantage. Advertisement Young drilled a pair of free throws before grabbing a steal and drilling a layup to trim the deficit to just two. An ensuing Mystics shot-clock violation gave Las Vegas a chance to tie or take the lead with 15.2 seconds remaining. With the game on the line, Young delivered to knot the game at 72. With 7.2 seconds remaining, Las Vegas' Kiah Stokes was called for a shooting foul, which coach Becky Hammon swiftly challenged. The call was overturned to a clean block and Las Vegas gained possession with a chance to win the game. Jewell Lloyd drilled a game-winning 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds left as Las Vegas stole one at home and handed Washington its second-consecutive loss.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Photo Captures Fever's First Home Crowd Without Caitlin Clark
New Photo Captures Fever's First Home Crowd Without Caitlin Clark originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever hosted their first home game on Friday since Caitlin Clark suffered a left quadriceps injury that is expected to sideline her for at least two weeks. They faced head coach Stephanie White's former team, the Connecticut Sun. Advertisement It's unclear exactly when the reigning Rookie of the Year got hurt, but she was seen holding a compress on her leg during last Saturday's game against the New York Liberty. Clark has since missed Wednesday's road game against the Washington Mystics. Meanwhile, media attention has turned to the noticeable drop in interest. Ticket prices for Wednesday's game fell by 47% after Clark was ruled out several days before, and television ratings on NBA TV were down by 224,000 viewers compared to the game eight days earlier against the Atlanta Dream (Christine Brennan, USA Today). Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).Kamil Krzaczynski With the Fever back home on Friday, the question was, would Indiana fans still pack Gainbridge Arena without Clark in the lineup? Advertisement The answer was yes. Fieldhouse Files' Scott Agness took a photo of the crowd just seconds before tip-off, and there were "some pockets of empty seats, but still a great crowd." Clark is expected to miss several more games beyond Friday night. The Fever will face the Mystics again on Tuesday, then travel to face Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on June 7, and return to Atlanta to play the Dream on June 10. It's possible she could return during one of those games, or her absence could extend beyond them. Clark's status will depend on the progress of her recovery. Related: WNBA Suffers Big Blow After Caitlin Clark Injury Related: Fever Stars' Telling Pregame Gesture Toward Caitlin Clark Amid Injury This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark Sends Strong Message to Lexie Hull Amid Injury
Caitlin Clark Sends Strong Message to Lexie Hull Amid Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Caitlin Clark is currently out of the Indiana Fever lineup, sidelined with a quadriceps injury she suffered during the early stages of the season. Advertisement Clark already missed one game, which ended in an 83-77 Fever loss to the Washington Mystics on Wednesday. Now, Clark is set to miss her second straight game as the Fever face the Connecticut Sun at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday. Before the Fever face off against Connecticut, Lexie Hull posted about her game day routine, giving fans a glimpse of her preparation for a WNBA matchup. "Game day routine! From coffee to tipoff, here's how I get ready to play. We're at home tonight vs the Connecticut Sun at 7:30 EST. Tune in live on @ionwnba! 🤍📺." Clark responded to the video, sending a message to Hull as she attempts to help the Fever bounce back from their loss against the Mystics. Advertisement "Truly inspiring bro," Clark said. View the original article to see embedded media. So far this season, Hull has averaged 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. She's also been a great contributor for first-year head coach Stephanie White and company, averaging 1.2 steals per game. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images Caitlin Clark has been the leader of the pack, posting 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. However, with Clark sidelined, it's up to Lexie Hull and company to help keep the boat afloat and add victories to the win column, while their best player is rehabbing. Related: Dawn Staley Makes Major Personal Announcement on Wednesday Related: Angel Reese Had No Words for Chicago Sky Announcement on Sunday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
18 hours ago
- General
- Washington Post
Mystics get a reality check from defending champion Liberty
The Washington Mystics' record might not necessarily reflect it, but the early returns on their season would suggest their rebuild is a bit ahead of schedule. Their veteran point guard is enjoying a career season. Two of their first-round draft picks have become immediate contributors. Their depth players are getting healthy, and they snapped a streak of tight losses with an emphatic win this week over one of the league's top contenders.
Washington Post
18 hours ago
- General
- Washington Post
Ionescu scores 28, Jones has 14 points and 18 rebounds as unbeaten Liberty beat Mystics 85-63
WASHINGTON — Sabrina Ionescu hit four 3-pointers and finished with 28 points, Jonquel Jones had 14 points and 18 rebounds, and the unbeaten New York Liberty beat the Washington Mystics 85-63 on Friday night. The defending WNBA champion Liberty (6-0) are off to the best start in franchise history. Brittney Sykes hit two free throws to cut Washington's deficit to four about three minutes into the second half but Ionescu was fouled as she hit a runner and made the free throw 12 seconds later to spark a 16-0 run that made it 63-43 with 1:54 left in the third quarter.
