Golden State squeak by The Washington Mystics.

Photographed by Joseph Mendoza

Golden State Valkyries snuck one past The Washington Mystics who dropped a heartbreaker Wednesday night, falling 68–67 in front of a fiery home crowd. Now, the game started a bit slow for the Mystics, giving up 30 points in the first quarter, but the Mystics showed some toughness and energy, shooting their way back in the second half. Emily Engstler gave the team a late spark with a big-time three that put the Mystics ahead, but the offense stumbled down the stretch, but they couldn’t seal the victory late.

Photographed by Joseph Mendoza

The Valkyries shot 42.3% from three with eight of those threes coming from Kate Martin, Iliana Rupert and Veronica Burton.Mystics didn’t let up, working their way back with Sonia Citron 16 points, continuing her breakout stretch. Sykes finished with 8 points, and Shakira Austin with10 points. However, with under six minutes left, Temi Fagbenle knocked down a go-ahead shot that ultimately ended up being the difference. The Mystics went the last seven minutes of the game without a bucket, even then, it all came down to one final look with 2.5 left in the game.Brittney Sykes took the in bound at the top of the key, slithered past a player, the arena held their breath as we collectively watched Brittney’s floater go up at the buzzer and rim out. The Mystics let a winnable game slip away and, with this win TheValkyries take possession of 8th place in the standings.

Photographed by Joseph Mendoza

Washington now falls to 13–14 on the season, still fighting to stay in the playoff race. Tough loss, but this team has shown they have tenacity in them, and they’ll need it to bounce back quick.

Carlos Cruz

August 1, 2025, 2:30 PM, EST.