Short-handed Mystics beat the Aces 94-83 for third straight win

Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Kiki Iriafen #44 of the Washington Mystics helps teammate Jade Melbourne #5 after she was hurt on a play against the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Head coach Sydney Johnson and Aaliyah Edwards #24 of the Washington Mystics celebrate during a timeout in the second quarter of their game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Sonia Citron #22 of the Washington Mystics drives to the basket against Joyner Holmes #8 of the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mystics defeated the Aces 94-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Head coach Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces and Floyd Mayweather Jr. look on in the fourth quarter of the Aces' game against the Washington Mystics at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mystics defeated the Aces 94-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Kiki Iriafen #44 and Sonia Citron #22 of the Washington Mystics slap hands on the court as time expires in their 94-83 victory over the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Washington Mystics v Las Vegas Aces LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 26: Head coach Sydney Johnson of the Washington Mystics smiles as his players run off the court for a timeout in the second quarter of their game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mystics defeated the Aces 94-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Rookie Sonia Citron scored 21 points, Sug Sutton added 17 and the short-handed Washington Mystics beat the Las Vegas Aces 94-83 on Thursday night for their third straight victory.

Washington played without leading scorer Brittney Sykes, who is averaging 19.6 points per game, for the second straight game with a right lower leg injury. Guard Jade Melbourne left in the first quarter and did not return after getting hit in the face.

Lucy Olsen came off the bench and scored 14 points in 37 minutes for Washington (8-8). Shakira Austin had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Kiki Iriafen added 12 points and nine boards.

A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas (7-8) with 22 points. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each scored 13, and Jewell Loyd added 11.

Washington opened the third quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 62-44 lead. The lead increased to 22 points, 79-57, later in the frame on Sutton’s 3-pointer.

Las Vegas got back in it by scoring the first nine points of the fourth to cut the deficit to 79-70. The Aces twice got within seven points, the last at 87-80 before Austin grabbed an offensive rebound and put it in with 1:31 left.

Washington, which entered averaging 5.5 makes per game from 3-point range, went 10 of 19 from distance with three makes apiece from Citron, Sutton and Olsen. The Aces were 6 of 23.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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