On Thursday night at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics clashed in a tightly contested WNBA showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game, which tipped off at 7:30 p.m. ET and was streamed live on Prime Video, marked the third meeting of the season between these two evenly matched teams, both holding identical 9-10 records entering the contest. With playoff positioning on the line and star players under the microscope, this game promised drama—and it delivered.
The Mystics, coming off a narrow 81-79 victory over the Chicago Sky, aimed to extend their recent strong form, having won four of their last six games. Washington was bolstered by a solid home record of 6-3 and a defense ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference, allowing just 80.6 points per game while holding opponents to 42.3% shooting. Meanwhile, the Aces were fresh off a tough 87-78 loss to the New York Liberty and were grappling with the absence of their star forward A’ja Wilson, who was sidelined due to a wrist injury incurred in that game. Wilson, who leads the Aces with an impressive 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, was officially listed as questionable but ultimately did not play, placing extra pressure on the rest of the Las Vegas roster to step up.
Without Wilson on the floor, the spotlight shifted to Jackie Young, the Aces’ guard who averages 17.2 points per game and is the team's second-leading scorer. Young had recently delivered a 19-point performance against the Liberty, her highest in five games, and had previously torched the Mystics for 25 points in their first matchup this season. However, in their most recent meeting, she was held to just 13 points without attempting a free throw, highlighting the Mystics’ defensive adjustments.
Washington’s offense was led by Brittney Sykes, who averages over 17 points per game and nearly five assists, and rookie sensation Sonia Citron. Citron, in particular, has been a revelation this season, averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting a sharp 46.8% from the field and an impressive 38.6% from beyond the arc. The Notre Dame product has been consistent, making multiple three-pointers in 11 of her 19 games and showing a notable increase in attempts over recent weeks. In addition, forward Kiki Iriafen, a rookie averaging 12.2 points, contributed significantly, especially at home where she has scored in double figures in six of nine games.
The game itself unfolded with intensity and momentum swings. The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets evenly, ending tied at 15-15. The Aces surged in the second quarter, outscoring the Mystics 25-12, thanks in part to aggressive defense and sharp shooting from Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd, who has averaged 1.7 made three-pointers over the last 10 games. However, the Mystics rallied in the third quarter, scoring 23 points to the Aces’ 15, fueled by Citron’s scoring and Iriafen’s inside presence. The final quarter was a nail-biter, with Washington outscoring Las Vegas 20-13 to seal a narrow 70-68 victory.
Key stats from the game underscored the tight nature of the contest. The Aces scored 15, 25, 15, and 13 points across the four quarters, while the Mystics posted 15, 12, 23, and 20 points respectively. The victory marked the Mystics’ third win in four home games and improved their record to 10-10, while the Aces fell to 9-11, continuing their struggles on the road where they now hold a 4-7 record.
Washington’s defensive effort was particularly impressive, limiting the Aces to a 42.3% shooting clip, consistent with their season averages. The Mystics also capitalized on the absence of Wilson, controlling the paint with Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen, while Citron’s perimeter shooting stretched the Aces’ defense thin. The Mystics’ ability to hold the Aces to fewer points than their season average of 79.6 was a decisive factor.
From the Aces’ perspective, the injury to Wilson was a significant blow. Her presence on both ends of the floor—averaging 1.7 steals and 2.4 blocks per game—was sorely missed. Megan Gustafson was listed as probable but did not make a major impact, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus remained out due to personal reasons. Jackie Young’s effort was commendable, but the team lacked the offensive firepower to close the gap in the final moments.
After the game, Mystics rookie Sonia Citron’s performance was lauded by analysts and fans alike. Her ability to score, rebound, and facilitate made a tangible difference, continuing a stretch where she has eclipsed 21 combined points, rebounds, and assists in six of her last eight games. Meanwhile, Washington’s home court advantage proved pivotal, as the Mystics maintained their strong record at EagleBank Arena.
Looking ahead, both teams remain locked in a tight race for playoff positioning. The Mystics, with their 10-10 record, will look to build on their defensive strengths and home success. The Aces, meanwhile, face the challenge of integrating Jewell Loyd more effectively alongside Wilson and Jackie Young to recapture the form that led them to the 2023 title. The Aces’ struggles against the spread this season (7-12) contrast with the Mystics’ more balanced 10-9 record, adding an intriguing betting angle for upcoming games.
Fans who missed the live action can catch highlights and analysis on Prime Video and follow the teams as they continue their campaigns. The WNBA season remains full of surprises and intense competition, with every game counting as the playoff race heats up.
Thursday’s game was a vivid reminder of how injuries can shift momentum and how emerging stars like Sonia Citron can seize the moment to make a lasting impact. As the Mystics celebrate a narrow victory, the Aces regroup and prepare for the next challenge, knowing that the road back to .500 and beyond will require resilience and depth.
