Shakira Austin’s clutch performance lifts Mystics to thrilling win over Aces in Wilson's absence
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 11, 2025, 23:44 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: The Washington Mystics overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the Las Vegas Aces 70-68, fueled by Shakira Austin's late-game heroics. Brittney Sykes led the Mystics with 18 points, while Jewell Loyd scored 20 for the Aces, who missed A'ja Wilson's presence.
The Washington Mystics staged a gritty comeback to narrowly defeat the Las Vegas Aces 70-68 on Thursday night in Fairfax, Virginia, in a dramatic WNBA showdown that saw both teams trading momentum swings late into the fourth quarter. With star forward A’ja Wilson sidelined due to a wrist sprain, the Aces found themselves faltering in the game's critical moments, allowing the Mystics to capitalize with a decisive late-game push.
Shakira Austin delivered the game-winning basket with just under 40 seconds remaining, sealing a thrilling victory for the Mystics, who clawed back after being down by 15 points in the third quarter. The final minutes were dominated by Washington, who outscored the Aces 12-2 over the last 3:45 of play, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Brittney Sykes led the way for the Mystics with 18 points, demonstrating her leadership and scoring efficiency throughout the game. Austin finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, contributing on both ends of the court. Kiki Iriafen added a solid 12 points and eight boards, while rookie Sonia Citron made her presence felt with a key fourth-quarter surge, scoring seven of her nine points in the final period to help ignite the rally.
On the other side, the Las Vegas Aces—playing without their reigning league MVP—leaned heavily on Jewell Loyd, who delivered a 20-point performance to keep her team in contention. Chelsea Gray chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds, Dana Evans contributed 11 points, and Jackie Young finished with 10 points and seven boards. Despite their efforts, the Aces couldn’t hold off the surging Mystics in crunch time.
The turning point came when Washington, trailing 58-66 with under four minutes to play, launched into a seven-point run to cut the deficit to just one. After a brief exchange of baskets between Young and Sykes, it was Austin who gave the Mystics their first lead of the final stretch with a crucial putback shot. The Aces had opportunities to respond in the closing seconds, but a combination of missed shots and late-game turnovers sealed their fate.
A’ja Wilson’s absence loomed large throughout the contest. The dominant forward injured her wrist earlier in the week during a matchup against the New York Liberty. An MRI later revealed no structural damage, but a sprain has left her without a clear timeline for return. Her team’s performance in her absence highlighted just how central she is to the Aces’ game plan, particularly in late-game scenarios where leadership and poise are paramount.
Thursday’s win marked Washington’s fourth straight at home and their fifth victory in their last seven outings, a promising sign for a team that has steadily been building momentum. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, once considered among the league’s most consistent squads, has now dropped four of its last six games and finds itself searching for answers during a critical stretch of the season.
The Mystics’ victory not only served as a statement of their resilience but also a testament to the depth and emerging chemistry of their roster. With rising stars contributing and veterans stepping up in key moments, Washington is beginning to look like a team that could make serious waves as the postseason approaches.