According to Associated Press reporting, the Washington Mystics defeated the Atlanta Dream 79-74 on Friday night, securing their sixth victory behind 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks from Shakira Austin. The victory matches the franchise-record six-game win streak achieved by Washington’s 2019 championship team.
Defensive Dominance and First-Half Blocks Record
The Mystics built a 64-48 lead early in the fourth quarter, driven by interior defense that set a franchise record. According to game statistics, Washington blocked nine shots in the first half alone, establishing a new franchise mark for any single half, and finished with 12 blocks overall. Austin led the defensive effort with her five blocks, while rookie Lauren Betts pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds.
Atlanta’s Late Push Falls Short Amid Cold Shooting
Atlanta mounted a fierce fourth-quarter comeback, narrowing the deficit to 77-74 with 32.3 seconds remaining. However, according to game logs, the Dream shot a season-worst 32.5% from the field, hitting just 25 of 77 attempts. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 26 points, marking her 15th game of the season scoring 20 or more points. Rhyne Howard added 19 points despite playing through foul trouble with five personal fouls throughout the fourth quarter.
Key Individual Performances Across the Roster
Washington relied on balanced scoring alongside Austin’s double-double. Kiki Iriafen contributed 15 points, Sonia Citron scored 14, rookie Cotie McMahon added 11, and Cassandre Prosper chipped in 10 off the bench. For Atlanta, Angel Reese grabbed 16 rebounds but struggled offensively, scoring seven points on 1-for-12 shooting. Washington Wizards teammates Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George watched the action from courtside seats.
Did You Know?
Upcoming Schedule and Standings Context
Following this matchup, the Washington Mystics improved their record to 18-12 and prepared to host Phoenix on Sunday. The Atlanta Dream fell to 19-12 and hit the road to face Toronto on Monday. Both teams continue positioning themselves for postseason seeding as the WNBA regular season enters its final stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The Washington Mystics defeated the Atlanta Dream 79-74 on Friday night, according to the Associated Press.
Who led the scoring for the Atlanta Dream?
Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 26 points, marking her 15th game this season scoring 20 or more points.
How many blocks did the Washington Mystics record?
Washington set a franchise record with 12 blocks overall, including nine in the first half.
What is the next game for both teams?
The Mystics host Phoenix on Sunday, while the Dream travel to play at Toronto on Monday.
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