The Washington Mystics secured a hard-fought 90-82 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on July 21, 2026, in a Women’s National Basketball Association clash that showcased the Mystics’ depth and resilience on the road. The game, played at the Chase Center in San Francisco, saw the Mystics overcome a slow start to dominate the second half and pull away in the final quarter.

First Half: Valkyries Set the Pace

The Valkyries came out firing, fueled by energetic home support and sharp perimeter shooting. Golden State’s backcourt duo of Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd combined for 14 first-quarter points, pushing the Valkyries to a 28–22 lead after the opening period. The Mystics struggled to find rhythm early, turning the ball over six times in the first quarter alone.

By halftime, the Valkyries maintained a 48–43 advantage, largely thanks to their transition game and aggressive offensive rebounding. Golden State center Aliyah Boston grabbed five boards in the first half, helping her team generate second-chance opportunities. Washington, however, began to adjust defensively, limiting easy looks in the paint.

Second Half Turnaround: Mystics Find Their Groove

The Mystics came out of the locker room determined to impose their will. Led by veteran forward Elena Delle Donne, Washington opened the third quarter on a 12–2 run, flipping the deficit into a 55–50 lead. Delle Donne scored nine points in the quarter, mixing mid-range jumpers with crafty finishes around the rim.

Golden State briefly regained the lead midway through the third, but the Mystics’ bench made a decisive impact. Guard Natasha Cloud orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out five assists in the period, while rookie sensation Rhyne Howard knocked down two crucial three-pointers. Washington took a 68–64 lead into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Dominance

The Mystics put the game away with a balanced attack in the final frame. Center Shakira Austin anchored the paint, blocking two shots and altering several others, while Jordin Canada provided a spark off the bench with eight points in the quarter. Washington shot 55% from the field in the fourth, compared to Golden State’s 38%.

With 3:23 remaining, a three-pointer by Myisha Hines-Allen extended the Mystics’ lead to 84–74, forcing a Valkyries timeout. Though Golden State cut the margin to six with a late push, the Mystics calmly sank free throws to seal the 90–82 win.

Key Performers

• Elena Delle Donne (WAS): 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists – she was the engine of Washington’s offense.
• Natasha Cloud (WAS): 14 points, 12 assists, 4 steals – her playmaking was critical in the second half.
• Shakira Austin (WAS): 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks – a double-double that anchored the defense.
• Kelsey Plum (GSV): 24 points, 5 assists – kept the Valkyries competitive with her scoring.
• Aliyah Boston (GSV): 16 points, 14 rebounds – a monster effort on the glass.

Impact on the Standings

The victory improved the Mystics to 18–10 on the season, strengthening their hold on third place in the WNBA standings. Washington has now won five of its last six games. The Valkyries, meanwhile, fell to 12–16, dropping into a tie for eighth place. The loss was a missed opportunity for Golden State to gain ground in the playoff race.

Looking Ahead

The Mystics return home to face the New York Liberty on July 23, while the Valkyries travel to Las Vegas to take on the Aces. Both matchups carry significant postseason implications as the regular season enters its final stretch.