Citron Shines, But Lynx Escape Washington with Narrow Victory.

Photo by Joseph Mendoza

The Washington Mystics gave Minnesota everything they could handle on June 24th, but it was not enough, as the Lynx escaped the nation's capital with a 78-76 victory. The narrow defeat, however, could not overshadow what Sonia Citron put together on the night — one of the most efficient individual performances the Mystics have seen this season.

Citron finished with 28 points on 9 of 14 shooting, connecting on 4 of 5 from three point range and going a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line in 34 minutes. She posted an 84.1 true shooting percentage and led all players in scoring efficiency on the night. Simply put, when Citron had the ball, good things happened for Washington.

Photo by Joseph Mendoza

Citron attacked all three levels effectively. She created off the dribble, showed the ability to pull up from deep without hesitation, and drew contact consistently to get to the line. Her 4 of 5 night from three is the kind of marksmanship that changes how defenses have to guard her going forward. You cannot go under screens on Sonia Citron anymore. That is a development worth noting.

Minnesota got the win on the back of a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Washington 28 to 18 in the final period to overcome a deficit and close the game out. Natasha Howard led the Lynx with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Olivia Miles matched her with 21 points of her own. Both players were critical in Minnesota's fourth quarter push. But even with two 21 point performances on the winning side, Citron's 28 point effort on 64.3 percent shooting was the signature performance of the game.

Photo by Joseph Mendoza

Off the court, the night carried some additional buzz. Washington Wizards No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa was in attendance alongside teammate Kyshawn George, showing up courtside to support the Mystics. The moment drew attention around the building and spoke to the growing energy around Washington basketball across both franchises.

But the headline performance belonged to Citron. At 28 points on shooting splits of 9 of 14, 4 of 5 from deep, and 6 of 6 from the line, she gave Washington fans a reason to feel good about what is developing on this roster. The loss stings, but Sonia Citron's June 24th performance is a data point that points firmly in the right direction.

By Margaret Mendoza