WASHINGTON, D.C. - JULY 22: Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics celebrates during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on July 22, 2026 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

Austin's late go-ahead 3-point play helps Mystics shock Aces

The Associated Press
Kenny Giarla / National Basketball Association / Getty

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shakira Austin scored 25 points, converting a three-point play after an offensive rebound with 12.8 seconds left, to lead the Washington Mystics to a 100-99 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday night.

Austin rebounded Sonja Citron's miss on a driving layup to cap the Mystics' rally from nine down with four minutes left. She had 11 points in the rally and Citron, who finished with 20 points, had four in the last minute.

Lauren Betts had 13 points off the bench for the Mystics (13-13), the lowest-scoring team in the league at 79.6 points a game. Kiki Iriafen added 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Michaela Onyenwere and Georgia Amoore both had 10 points.

A'ja Wilson scored 38 points for the Aces (18-8), who go into the All-Star break two games behind league-leading Minnesota. Wilson was 12-of-16 shooting and made 12 of 13 free throws, but the miss came with 17 seconds left to open the door for Austin. Jackie Young had 24 points and Chelsea Gray 19.

The Aces led 87-78 midway through the fourth quarter but the Mystics were within 96-95 when Citron made a pair of free throws with 43 seconds left.

The Mystics led 46-45 at the break.

Las Vegas shot 55% to 49% for the Mystics but was outrebounded 34-24, including 12-4 on the offensive end.

Up next

Aces: Home against Portland on Tuesday.

Mystics: Home against Connecticut on Tuesday, the second of a six-game homestand.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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