The Washington Mystics snatched an 86‑85 win over the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday night, thanks to a clutch buzzer‑beater from Sonia Citron that landed with just half a second left on the clock.
A Late‑Game Turnaround
The decisive play began with a pivotal jump ball, where rookie Lauren Betts wrestled the ball loose and fed it to Citron. Betts, who had opened the game with eight points in the first quarter, finished with a career‑high 18 points and shot efficiently, underscoring the Mystics' reliance on their emerging talent.
The victory also highlighted the Mystics' dominance in the paint, posting 54 points inside compared to the Tempo's 41, a statistic that aligns with the franchise's league‑leading 43.6 paint points per game. Coach Sydney Johnson expressed pride in the team's development and performance, noting that the young squad has repeatedly taken title‑contending opponents to overtime and close contests.
Citron's game‑winning shot added to her reputation for delivering clutch baskets, including a similar 3‑pointer that decided a game last season. The win not only boosts the Mystics' standings but also reinforces the belief that a young, resilient roster can compete with the league's best.