The Washington Mystics not only locked down a crucial 80-74 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks but also celebrated the induction of Alana Beard into the Mystics Hall of Fame on Friday, August 23. The win was largely powered by Brittney Sykes, who led all scorers with 28 points and added five assists, showcasing her ability to drive the Mystics’ offense when it mattered the most.
Sykes’ performance was historic, as she became the first Mystic since Tina Charles in 2021 to record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single game. This was also her highest scoring output since September 2023. After the game Sykes mentioned that she wanted to make Alana Beard proud.
Beard was honored at halftime with her Hall of Fame designation. who remains the Mystics’ all-time leader in scoring with 3,128 points and steals with 364 during her six seasons with the team, joined an elite group that includes Nikki McCray-Penson, Vicky Bullett, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Muriel Page.
The overall game itself was a testament to the Mystics’ tenacity and timely scoring. A decisive 21-9 run in the second half was instrumental in sealing the win. This surge was fueled by the Mystics’ aggressive defense, which tied their season-high with 13 steals, contributing to 17 points off Sparks’ turnovers. This marked the fifth time this season that the Mystics held an opponent to under 38% shooting, a defensive milestone that has become a hallmark of their success.
Shakira Austin also had a significant impact, recording her 10th career double-double with 14 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. Austin’s defensive prowess was on full display as she extended her streak of games with 3+ steals to four, tying her with Breanna Stewart and Arike Ogunbowale for the longest such streak in the league this season.
Ariel Atkins contributed 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals, marking the sixth time this season she has had 3+ steals in a game. Stefanie Dolson led the team in assists with eight while also adding three rebounds and two steals, highlighting her playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Aaliyah Edwards, with four rebounds, six points, and a steal, tied Stefanie Dolson for fifth-most rebounds in a rookie season with 149 boards.
The Mystics’ victory, combined with the celebration of Alana Beard’s legacy, made for a memorable night at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. As the team looks ahead to the postseason, performances like these underscore their potential to make a run that didn’t seem possible in the first half of the season.