WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (8-9) vs. Minnesota Lynx (14-2)

Game Details

Matchup	Washington Mystics (8–9) vs. Minnesota Lynx (14–2)
Date	Wednesday, July 3, 2025
Time	8:00 PM ET
Venue	Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast	ESPN+, WNBA League Pass

Recent Form & Storylines

Washington Mystics

Record: 8–9 (5th in Eastern Conference)

Last 5 Games: L–W–W–L–L

Road Record: 3–6

Key Trend: Averaging 80.8 PPG over last 10 games while shooting 44.3% from the field

The Mystics are coming off a 79–71 loss to Dallas despite a 22-point effort from rookie Sonia Citron. With Brittney Sykes (19.6 PPG) questionable due to a lower leg injury, Washington may lean heavily on its young core, including Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin, to generate offense.

Minnesota Lynx

Record: 14–2 (1st in Western Conference)

Home Record: 8–0

Last 5 Games: W–W–L–W–W

Key Trend: Leading the WNBA in assists per game (23.9) and shooting 47.7% over last 10 games

The Lynx are rolling, even without MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier, who remains out with a back injury. Kayla McBride stepped up with a season-high 29 points in their last win over the Sparks, while Courtney Williams continues to anchor the backcourt with 6.0 APG and elite perimeter defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Courtney Williams vs. Sug Sutton

Williams: 12.9 PPG, 6.0 APG, 1.5 SPG – Floor general and defensive disruptor

Sutton: 9.4 PPG, 4.2 APG – Needs to control tempo and limit turnovers

2. Kayla McBride vs. Sonia Citron

McBride: 15.7 PPG, 41.2% 3PT – Veteran sharpshooter with playoff pedigree

Citron: 15.6 PPG over last 10 – Rookie rising fast with scoring versatility

3. Frontcourt Battle: Alanna Smith vs. Kiki Iriafen

Smith: 10.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG – Stretch-four with rim protection

Iriafen: 13.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG – Physical presence in the paint

Team Stats Comparison

Category	Mystics	Lynx
PPG	80.8	86.0
FG%	44.3%	47.7%
3PT Made/Game	7.2	9.4
Rebounds	34.7	34.3
Assists	18.6	24.4
Steals	7.4	8.2
Blocks	2.5	5.9
Opponent PPG	80.5	72.8