Despite a record-tying performance by rookie Aaliyah Edwards, the Washington Mystics fell to the Chicago Sky, 79-71, Thursday. The game marked the first homecoming for Baltimore native Angel Reese, who played a large role in the Sky’s comeback victory.
Edwards has been a bright spot for the Mystics, especially in the absence of injured center Shakira Austin. The rookie delivered a career-high performance with 23 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks against Chicago. The achievement made her the first rookie this season to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game. Edwards joined Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) as the only Mystics rookie to lead the team in points and rebounds in consecutive games.
“I just need everyone to know when everyone’s talking about the rookie class, don’t forget her name,” Mystics’ Shatori Walker-Kimbrough said, as reported by Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post. “She made a statement today. She makes a statement every day. She comes in, she works. She puts her head down and works. She needs a little bit more talk, and she doesn’t let that affect her.”
Despite Edwards' stellar performance, the Mystics continued their worst start in franchise history with their 10th straight loss. They held a 44-35 halftime lead but were outscored 25-10 in the third quarter, which ultimately led to their defeat.
“Extremely frustrated,” Mystics coach Eric Thibault said after the game.
The Mystics’ offense faltered in the second half, managing only 27 points and shooting a dismal 29.0% from the field. Turnovers also plagued the team, with eight live-ball turnovers in the third quarter alone.
“It started with our offense,” Thibault said. “We turned the ball over; I think we had eight live-ball turnovers in the third quarter. And then I thought we got a little mentally not where we needed to be and lost sight of the main stuff we said was important.”
The absence of key players also hindered the Mystics. Brittney Sykes missed her eighth straight game due to a high ankle sprain, and there is still no timetable for her return. Austin missed her second consecutive game after aggravating her surgically repaired hip, leaving the team shorthanded.
The Mystics get no rest before their next high-profile matchup Friday, this time against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Angel Reese shines in homecoming against Aaliyah Edwards, Mystics
Meanwhile, Reese, playing in her first WNBA game in the D.C.-Maryland area, delivered an impressive performance for the Sky. Reese finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five steals, helping Chicago overcome a first-half deficit to secure the win. Reese, who is leading the WNBA in offensive rebounding, spoke about her rebounding prowess after the game.
“For me, it's kind of a good and a bad thing because when I go up for layups, I know I can get my rebound before looking at the basket and making the shot,” Reese said, via Christopher Smith of ClutchPoints. “I'm trying to be more efficient around the basket. But I know if I don't make a layup or my teammates don't make a shot, I'm gonna go try to get a second effort and get another attempt for us.”
Reese's homecoming was marked by significant fan and media attention, and she appreciated the support from her hometown crowd.
“A lot of them have watched me since I was like four. A lot of them have seen me grow up and grow into the woman I am right now and continue to grow into. It's just a blessing. It's surreal for me,” Reese said. “Being able to continue to grow and have my family in the crowd watching is just a great feeling.”
Chicago's win was also fueled by strong performances from their bench. Chennedy Carter scored a game-high 25 points, while veteran forward Isabelle Harrison contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon credited the team’s improved energy and execution in the second half for the comeback win.
“The most important thing was we have to have better energy, and we must be better offensively. I think the execution offensively wasn't there. Our schemes weren't there, and it takes a lot of energy to do that…You do or don't, there's no in-between,” Weatherspoon said.
The Sky will look to build on this momentum as they face the Atlanta Dream in their next game Saturday.
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