Brittney Sykes Comes Up Big for First Win
by Sharon Mullen, Senior Staff Writer
Washington Mystics fans have waited for the moment their beloved team would earn their first win of the season. Well, they don't have to wait anymore. Led by the play of Brittney Sykes, who had not played in a game since May 17th due to an ankle injury, the Mystics defeated the Atlanta Dream 87-68 ending their 12-game losing streak. They Mystics took a little while to get it going in the beginning, but after 8 minutes into the game, they took the lead and never lost it the rest of the game.
The Mystics had been missing Sykes' presence in open court. Her aggressiveness and ability to transition from outlet passes and attack the paint contributed to her 18 points in the game. Her 3-point show was ablaze, going 4 of 6 from the arch within 14 minutes. Along with her 18 points, she finished with 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
Teammate Ariel Atkins made a huge impact on the game as well, tying Sykes in points but also contributing 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block. Atkins found her long range game as she went 3 of 3 from three-point range. Julie Vanloo also contributed 11 points off the bench. Her 23-foot 3-point jumper with 6 minutes left in the game widened the Mystics lead to 19.
It was a disappointing loss for the Dream playing in front of their home crowd, making them below .500 in home wins. Guard Rhyne Howard was the leading scorer for the Dream, putting up 16 points while Tina Charles claimed the boards banging 9 rebounds along with her 12 points and 3 assists. The Dream shot 36% from the floor, 35% from three, and only 67% in free throws.
To be on a 12-game losing streak, having not won a game this season, and then pulling out the win on the road had to be a great feeling for the Mystics. Over the past several weeks, they showed improvement with each game. It was only a matter of time before they got that tick mark in the win column. The win ties them with the Dream 1-1 in the series. Sykes seemed to have tweaked her left foot where she had the high ankle injury late in the fourth quarter and after the game was on crutches. Hopefully that was just precautionary and she will be fine for their next opponent the Chicago Sky who just came off a loss with the Dream.
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Sharon Mullen is a freelance writer, influencer, and podcaster, focusing on sports, lifestyle, and relationships. She is a graduate of Michigan State University.
