By Caitlin Nicholson

The Chicago Sky fell 86-103 to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, July 29 at CareFirst Arena. Despite several strong scoring runs, the Sky notched their sixth straight loss.

The Sky opened the game with pace and aggression, trading early buckets with the Mystics and showing signs of offensive rhythm. Chicago attacked the basket purposefully in the first quarter, drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line early. ​​A quick 11-3 run gave them a temporary lead and signaled a strong start, but that momentum was short-lived. The Mystics responded with their own 14-5 run in the second quarter to take the lead and never look back. 

Despite the Mystics shooting a first-half season-best 58.8% from the field, the game remained within reach for Chicago, who trailed just 47-55 at the break. However, the third quarter proved to be the turning point. Washington came out with renewed energy, pushing the tempo and tightening up defensively, while the Sky’s offense struggled to connect. Sparked by sharp perimeter shooting, the Mystics exploded with an 18-6 run midway through the third, stretching the lead into double digits. Chicago showed resilience with an 8-0 burst in the final minute of the quarter, but it wasn’t enough to swing momentum. 

The Sky faced an uphill battle heading into the fourth but showed some resilience with a 13-5 run that briefly cut the deficit. However, it wasn’t enough to chip away at the lead, and by the final buzzer, Washington had outscored Chicago 48–39 in the second half, sealing a convincing victory. Ultimately, points off turnovers proved costly, as the Mystics converted 10 Sky turnovers into 26 points. Interior defense was also a major concern, with the Mystics’ 52 points in the paint marking the most allowed by a Sky opponent this season.

The Sky continued to contend with a limited bench, having only eight players for the matchup. This proved to be a disadvantage, as the Mystics outscored Chicago’s reserves 21-7. The Sky managed to outscore the Mystics in second-chance points, 12-7. Overall, Chicago shot an impressive 45.1% from the field, but Washington surpassed them 50.7% shooting from the field.

For the Sky, both Angel Reese (22 points, 13 rebounds) and Kamilla Cardoso (21 points, 10 rebounds) logged double-doubles. Reese, delivering an impressive game back from injury, also added three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Rachel Banham delivered 19 points on three made threes, along with three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Rebecca Allen also contributed 10 points, three assists, and three rebounds. 

For the Mystics, No. 3 overall pick Sonia Citron led the way with a career-high 28 points and five three-pointers. Fellow rookie and No. 4 overall pick Kiki Iriafen recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Citron and Iriafen are the first rookies in Mystics’ franchise history to record 20 points in the same game. Brittney Sykes also contributed 18 points, six assists, two rebounds, and two steals for Washington. Stefanie Dolson, Emily Engstler, and Lucy Olsen combined for the Mystics’ 21 bench points. 

Despite a hard-fought battle, Washington’s hot shooting and strong interior presence proved too much for the Sky to overcome. Chicago will return home to Wintrust Arena on Friday, Aug. 1, to begin a four-game home stretch, starting with a matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.