Phoenix Mercury Defeat Washington Mystics 68-62 in Defensive Battle

The Phoenix Mercury secured a 68-62 victory over the Washington Mystics in a defensive battle on May 25, overcoming a six-point deficit in the final minutes and forcing 30 turnovers. Rookie Monique Akoa Makani led the Mercury with 13 points, including crucial late 3-pointers, while Alyssa Thomas made history with her 500th career steal and contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Despite out-rebounding the Mystics 41-26, Washington, led by rookie Sonia Citron's 14 points, struggled to score in the final minutes and were held without a field goal in the last four minutes. The Mystics had briefly taken their first lead since the second quarter in the fourth period but could not maintain momentum against Phoenix's late surge. Phoenix’s defense and clutch shooting helped the team recover from a recent loss to the Seattle Storm and improve their record to 3-1. Both teams, young and competitive, are looking to build on their early-season performances as the Mercury continue their homestand.