On May 30, 2025, Washington Mystics star Brittney Sykes achieved a significant career milestone, eclipsing the 3,000-point mark in the WNBA. This accomplishment adds to her impressive résumé, which includes four selections to the WNBA All-Defensive Team—two as a first-team member and two as a second-team member—and consecutive steals titles in 2021 and 2022.
Nonetheless, her individual success was somewhat diminished by the team’s difficult 85–67 defeat against the unbeaten New York Liberty at CareFirst Arena.
Regardless of the loss, Sykes led the Mystics with 20 points. She managed to shoot 5-of-18 from the field but excelled at the free-throw line, converting 9-of-10 attempts. Additionally, she contributed four rebounds, three assists, and three steals, underscoring her versatile skill set. In the first quarter, Sykes scored seven points, keeping Washington within striking distance.
In the early moments of the second quarter, she executed an and-one layup that reduced the Liberty’s lead to single digits. During the third quarter, Sykes played a key role in an 11–3 run for the Mystics, narrowing a 12-point halftime deficit to just four. Unfortunately, New York quickly answered with a damaging 16–0 run moments later. The Mystics struggled to recover and suffered a significant defeat.
Kiki Iriafen provided support with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Washington. Sonia Citron added 10 points and four rebounds to the mix. Stefanie Dolson and Sug Sutton combined for nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal. However, the Mystics’ bench had a tough night, contributing only 12 points compared to the Liberty’s 21.
For the Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu shone brightly with a season-high 28 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four successful three-point attempts. She also contributed five assists and two steals. Jonquel Jones, making her return to the lineup, dominated inside with a double-double of 14 points and 18 rebounds. Leonie Fiebich was flawless from the field, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Additionally, Breanna Stewart provided 10 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, bolstering New York’s balanced offensive approach.
The Mystics’ official X (formerly Twitter) account commemorated Sykes’s milestone with a celebratory post, recognizing her achievement amid the challenging outcome.
With the loss, the Mystics have now dropped four of their last five games and stand at 3–4 for the season. The team will look to rebound on the road at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where they are set to face the Indiana Fever for the second time this season.
Image Source: Brittney Sykes @ Instagram
