MYSTICS 93, TEMPO 82
WASHINGTON — Kiki Iriafen powered Washington to its eighth consecutive home victory, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Mystics defeated Toronto 93-82. Shakira Austin added a double-double of her own with 11 points and 10 boards, helping Washington dominate inside. After a tight opening quarter, the Mystics took control with a 22-9 second quarter, turning a one-point advantage into a 47-33 halftime lead. Toronto scored 49 points after halftime but never completely erased the deficit. The victory completed a 4-0 season sweep of Toronto and improved Washington to 21-14, while the Tempo dropped to 10-25.
Turning Point: Washington’s 22-9 second quarter created the separation the Tempo spent the rest of the night trying to overcome.
Star of the Game: Kiki Iriafen, Washington — 21 points, 13 rebounds, 8-of-12 shooting. It was her 15th double-double of the season.
LYNX 77, VALKYRIES 66
SAN FRANCISCO — Minnesota showed why it owns the WNBA’s best record, racing ahead early and holding off Golden State for a 77-66 victory and its fifth straight win. Rookie guard Olivia Miles scored 20 points, handed out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds before leaving midway through the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury. Kayla McBride added 20 points and three 3-pointers, while Napheesa Collier helped Minnesota build a lead that reached 22 points. Golden State fought back and cut the margin to seven in the fourth, but McBride buried a late 3-pointer to help slam the door. Minnesota improved to 30-7 and remained unbeaten against Golden State all-time.
Turning Point: Minnesota’s fast start put Golden State in a massive hole; the Valkyries spent the remainder of the game trying to recover from a deficit that reached 22.
Star of the Game: Olivia Miles, Minnesota — 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds. Her all-around performance drove Minnesota’s offense before the fourth-quarter ankle injury.