Brittney Sykes, Mystics dominate Sun

Led by 28 points from Brittany Sykes, the Washington Mystics blasted the visiting Connecticut Sun 104-67 on Sunday.

Washington (4-6) ended a three-game losing streak. The Mystics relied on another strong game from Sykes and a multitude of points in the paint. Washington managed a season-high 56 points in the paint, including 18 in the first quarter.

Sykes tallied her fourth 20-point performance in the Mystics' last five games. She knocked down 6 of 12 shots from the floor and 14 of 15 free-throw attempts. The free throws made and attempted were career-high totals for Sykes.

As a team, Washington shot 36-for-63 (57.1 percent) and reached 100 points for the first time since a 100-77 win over Phoenix on Sept. 5, 2023. The Mystics are 3-0 on the season when scoring 90 points, after also doing so in the first two games of the year.

The rookie duo of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen also thrived. Iriafen tallied 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting while Citron notched 11 points and four assists.

Reserve Shakira Austin also added 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting and fellow bench player Aaliyah Edwards scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Guard Sug Sutton also chipped in 10 points.

Connecticut (2-7) fell to Washington for the second time this season after a 90-85 loss to the Mystics on May 18.

Veteran center Tina Charles led the Sun with 17 points and nine rebounds. Marina Mabrey contributed 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Reserve Jacy Sheldon added 15 points, including 3-for-5 3-point shooting.

Connecticut shot just 26-for-66 (39.4 percent) while being out rebounded 54-25.

The Sun fell behind 16-4 by the midpoint of the first quarter. They got within 28-21 at the end of the first following a 3-pointer by Mabrey.

Connecticut pulled within 41-32 on Bria Hartley's free throws with 4:54 left in the half. Washington finished the half with a 9-4 run to extend the lead and was never threatened again.