Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Today started out with a trade for the Mystics that send long time veteran Myesha Hines-Allen to Minnesota in exchange Olivia Époupa and Sika Koné and the Lynx’s second-round pick in the 2026 draft. Washington then waived Époupa as well as DiDi Richards, who has spent quite a bit of time on the injured list this season. It ended with another loss to Seattle, 83-77.
Washington came out a bit slow to start and allowed for Seattle to make a strong push in the first quarter leading 26-17. It looked as if the Mystics were having a hard time finding a combination of players on the court that could get to the bucket when Seattle put the pressure on Stefanie Dolson, who finished with just 9 points tonight.
Washington was able to get hot in the third quarter as they held Seattle to 31.2 percent shooting and Ariel Atkins went on to score 14 of her 25 points in the period, allowing Washington to head into the fourth quarter with a 61-57 deficit.
Seattle led by as many as 14 points but a 3-pointer by Brittney Sykes had the Mystics within three points with 11 seconds left. Three free throws sealed it for the Storm.
Ariel Atkins had 25 points, hitting five 3s, to lead Washington (6-22) and Shakira Austin had 24. Sykes had 12 points. Washington scored 47 points in the second half but had 22 total turnovers that were turned into 29 points.
Washington’s bench managed just 7 points tonight as Seattle was able to hold Julie Vanloo to just 5 points on 20 minutes of action.
The Mystics will return to action on Friday night against the Sparks where they will induct Alana Beard into the Mystics Hall of Fame.
