Despite Alanna Smith's career night, Collier-less Lynx fall to Mystics

Despite a career night from Alanna Smith, the Lynx lost for just the second time all season on Tuesday night. Playing without superstar Napheesa Collier (back) for the second consecutive game, Minnesota fell 68-64 in a sloppy road game against the Washington Mystics.

A crucial turnover in the final minute was the decisive mistake for the Lynx (12-2). After Shakira Austin's putback layup tied the game at 64, Courtney Williams dropped the ensuing inbounds pass. Sug Sutton scooped the ball up and put the Mystics (7-8) in front with a breakaway bucket. Williams then missed a jumper on the other end, the Mystics secured the rebound, and a pair of free throws sealed the deal.

The Lynx shot just 38 percent from the field and 17 percent from three-point range, turning the ball over 19 times. Williams and Kayla McBride, Minnesota's top two scorers without Collier, combined to shoot 3 for 20 from the field. Williams had 10 of the Lynx's 19 turnovers.

The only reason the Lynx were in the game was the play of Smith and Jessica Shepard. Smith scored a career-high 26 points and tied her career-high with six blocks. It was just the 23rd time in WNBA history a player has recorded at least 26 points and six blocks in a game. Shepard, after missing the last four games to compete for Slovenia in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket tournament, had 12 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists.

The Mystics shot just 37 percent and had 14 turnovers in their own right, but they were able to pull out the win at home. Austin led Washington with 19 points.

Led by Smith and Shepard, the Lynx jumped out to a 20-6 lead in the first quarter. But the Mystics responded with a 25-4 run to take the lead in the second. They led 39-37 at halftime despite Smith scoring 18 of her 26 points in the first two quarters.

The game was close throughout an ugly second half. The Lynx led by one after three quarters, but the Mystics won the fourth 14-9. Both teams had major scoring droughts in the final period.

The Lynx's next game is on the road against the road against the 10-5 Atlanta Dream on Friday night.