After a gruelling start to the season, the Washington Mystics finally secured their first victory, defeating the Atlanta Dream 87-68 on Tuesday night. This win not only marks their first of the season but also ends the fourth-worst start in WNBA history. With star guard Brittney Sykes back in the lineup, the Mystics showcased their strength, shooting 17-of-31 from beyond the arc—an effort that set a new franchise record for most three-pointers made in a game this season.
A Struggle for Victory
The Mystics’ journey to this win was anything but easy. Entering Tuesday’s game with an 0-12 record, they had endured a month of near-misses, with 10 games decided by clutch moments—scores within five points with less than five minutes left. Remarkably, they had nine losses by single digits, including five by five points or fewer. This streak was one of the worst starts in WNBA history, just behind the Atlanta Dream’s own 0-17 start in their debut season in 2008.
Breaking the Streak
The Mystics ended their skid in emphatic fashion. Led by a standout performance from Sykes, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury since the second game of the season, Washington dominated on both ends of the court. Sykes, despite a minute restriction, made a significant impact, scoring 18 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out four assists on 7-of-12 shooting. Her return was crucial, adding both defensive prowess and scoring punch to the team.
The drought is over for the @washmystics as they dominated and secured their first WIN of the SZN vs the Dream, 87-68 🌟
After being out for 10 games, Brittney Sykes returned in style, dropping 18 PTS, 3 REB, and 4 AST, alongside teammate Ariel Atkins who put on a 18 PT, 4 REB,… pic.twitter.com/LWoyzIHGj2
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 12, 2024
Dominant Shooting and Defense
Washington’s shooting was on fire, setting a new team benchmark for the season. Their 17 three-pointers made is the second-highest in franchise history, highlighting their ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities. The Mystics also excelled defensively, limiting the Dream to just 35.8% shooting from the field, ensuring their dominance was not just on offense but also on the defensive end.
Looking Ahead
With the victory, the Mystics now have a chance to build momentum. Upcoming games against the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever, and the struggling Dallas Wings could see the Mystics go on a winning streak. Sykes’ return, combined with the team’s newfound confidence, could propel them up the standings.
The win against the Dream not only ends a challenging chapter for the Mystics but also sets the stage for what could be a strong turnaround in the season. Fans and players alike will be hoping that this victory marks the beginning of a successful run for Washington.
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