Mystics Edge Aces in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · CareFirst Arena
Washington Mystics 100, Las Vegas Aces 99, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Las Vegas Aces vs Washington Mystics?
Washington Mystics beat Las Vegas Aces 100-99 at CareFirst Arena on July 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Las Vegas Aces vs Washington Mystics?
Las Vegas Aces were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -240 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Washington Mystics triumphed over the Las Vegas Aces with a final score of 100-99. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Mystics managing to secure a narrow victory at the CareFirst Arena. The win not only contributes to the Mystics' home record but also adds another chapter to their ongoing rivalry with the Aces, who have won the series 2-1 this season.
The Mystics entered the game with a record of 14-12, having gone 5-5 in their last ten games, and they were on a one-game winning streak. Their scoring average over those ten games was 76.5 points per game, while they allowed an average of 77.9 points. Notably, their recent performance included a win against the Golden State Valkyries just a day prior, where they scored 90 points. At home, the Mystics had a balanced record of 3-3 in their last six games, indicating their capability to perform well in familiar surroundings.
On the other hand, the Aces, boasting an 18-8 record, were slightly more consistent, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and also on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 91.1 points while allowing 86.7 points during that stretch. Their most recent game saw them dominate the Toronto Tempo, winning 109-83. The Aces had a strong away record of 3-1 in their last four games, showcasing their ability to compete effectively outside their home arena.
In terms of previous meetings, the Mystics and Aces have faced each other four times in the last two seasons, with each team winning two games. The last encounter before this matchup saw the Mystics narrowly defeat the Aces 70-68 at home, while earlier in the 2025 season, the Aces won 91-81. This history of close contests added an extra layer of anticipation to the game.
Injury reports indicated that the Aces were missing key players, specifically Ta'Niya Latson and NaLyssa Smith, which could have impacted their performance. Latson's absence was due to a coach's decision, while Smith was sidelined with a leg injury. The Mystics, meanwhile, had no significant injuries reported, allowing them to field their full roster.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Aces favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 164.5. The odds reflected the Aces' stronger overall record and recent form, but the Mystics' home advantage and competitive spirit were evident in their performance.
Conditions during the game were typical for a summer evening, providing a comfortable atmosphere for both players and fans. The Mystics capitalized on their home crowd support, which likely contributed to their energy and determination throughout the match.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Key moments included free throws from A'ja Wilson and driving layups from Shakira Austin, which highlighted the players' clutch performances in the final minutes. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter were particularly thrilling, with the lead changing hands multiple times before the Mystics ultimately secured their victory.
This match not only showcased the talent and resilience of both teams but also underscored the intensity of the WNBA, where every game can be a nail-biter. The Mystics' ability to close out the game under pressure speaks volumes about their character and potential as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LV -5.5 | 164.5 o -108 / u -112 | Las Vegas Aces -240 · Washington Mystics +194 |
Injury report
- Ta'Niya LatsonOutCoach's DecisionLas Vegas Aces
- NaLyssa SmithOutLegLas Vegas Aces
Leaders
- PointsShakira Austin25Washington Mystics
- AssistsSonia Citron8Washington Mystics
- ReboundsKiki Iriafen10Washington Mystics
- PointsA'ja Wilson38Las Vegas Aces
- AssistsJackie Young7Las Vegas Aces
- ReboundsA'ja Wilson7Las Vegas Aces
Recent form
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 5-5Streak W176.5 scored · 77.9 allowed per game3-3 at home
- W90-82at Golden State ValkyriesJul 21
- L69-74at Golden State ValkyriesJul 19
- L56-75vs Portland FireJul 16
- W79-62at Toronto TempoJul 14
- W84-79vs Seattle StormJul 12
- L49-62vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 6
- W81-76vs Atlanta DreamJul 2
- W124-123vs Portland FireJun 28
- L57-68at Connecticut SunJun 26
- L76-78vs Minnesota LynxJun 24
Las Vegas Aces
Last 10: 6-4Streak W191.1 scored · 86.7 allowed per game3-1 away
- W109-83at Toronto TempoJul 21
- L75-109vs Indiana FeverJul 13
- W106-58vs Phoenix MercuryJul 11
- W88-80at Portland FireJul 10
- L68-84vs Indiana FeverJul 5
- W98-90vs Chicago SkyJul 4
- L85-93at New York LibertyJun 30
- W107-99at Chicago SkyJun 28
- W99-84vs Dallas WingsJun 26
- L76-87vs New York LibertyJun 24
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Las Vegas Aces | Washington Mystics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-62 | 35-71 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 5-14 | 7-13 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 54 |
| Free throws | 26-29 | 23-31 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 22 |
| Assists | 18 | 24 |
| Steals | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 6 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 48 |
| Fouls | 25 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 71 | 24 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-64Chelsea Gray makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter71-64Chelsea Gray makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter71-67Sonia Citron makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shakira Austin assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-67A'ja Wilson makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-69Cotie McMahon makes 13-foot step back jumpshot (Sonia Citron assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-69Chelsea Gray makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter75-70Lauren Betts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-71Lauren Betts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-71Jewell Loyd makes 22-foot three point jumper (Dana Evans assists)
- 4th Quarter80-71A'ja Wilson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter80-73Georgia Amoore makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-73A'ja Wilson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Dana Evans assists)
- 4th Quarter82-75Lauren Betts makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-78Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cotie McMahon assists)
- 4th Quarter85-78A'ja Wilson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter87-78Jackie Young makes 16-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter87-80Sonia Citron makes 1-foot layup (Shakira Austin assists)
- 4th Quarter88-80Jewell Loyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-80Jewell Loyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-81Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-82Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-82A'ja Wilson makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter91-83Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-85Shakira Austin makes driving layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter91-86Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter91-88Shakira Austin makes running layup (Michaela Onyenwere assists)
- 4th Quarter91-90Shakira Austin makes 8-foot jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter93-90Chelsea Gray makes 10-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter94-90Chelsea Gray makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter94-93Michaela Onyenwere makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter95-93A'ja Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-93A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-94Sonia Citron makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-95Sonia Citron makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-95A'ja Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-95A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-97Sonia Citron makes driving layup (Shakira Austin assists)
- 4th Quarter99-97A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-99Shakira Austin makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-100Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Washington Mystics, below favours Las Vegas Aces.
Venue
- CareFirst ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance4200
- OfficialsRyan Sassano, Angel Kent, Sarah Williams
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Aces Edge Mystics in Competitive WNBA ClashAug 13, 2026
- Aces Secure Victory Over Mystics in WNBA ClashAug 11, 2026