Lynx Edge Mystics in Close Contest
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · CareFirst Arena
Minnesota Lynx 78, Washington Mystics 76, 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 Minnesota Lynx vs Washington Mystics?
Minnesota Lynx beat Washington Mystics 78-76 at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Washington Mystics?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling WNBA matchup, the Minnesota Lynx narrowly defeated the Washington Mystics with a final score of 78-76 at CareFirst Arena. This victory marked Minnesota's continued dominance in the series, improving their record against Washington to 3-1 over the last four meetings. The Lynx entered the game with a solid away record of 14-4, while the Mystics held an 8-8 record at home. Minnesota's recent form had been impressive, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to the Mystics just three days prior, which ended a seven-game winning streak.
The game showcased a competitive spirit, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Natasha Howard was pivotal for the Lynx, scoring crucial points in the fourth quarter, including a layup that gave Minnesota a late lead. The Mystics, who had won their last three games leading into this matchup, averaged 81.6 points over their last ten games but struggled to keep pace with the Lynx's scoring prowess, which averaged 92.8 points during the same stretch.
The Mystics' home performance had seen them win six of their last ten games, but they faced challenges against a formidable Lynx team that had a strong away record. The conditions at CareFirst Arena were conducive for a high-stakes game, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the league.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were ruled out for various reasons. Despite these absences, Minnesota managed to maintain their competitive edge. The betting market reflected Minnesota's status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at 8.5 points in their favor, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win.
The game was tightly contested, with the Mystics showing resilience but ultimately falling short. Key moments included a late three-pointer from Sonia Citron, which briefly gave Washington the lead, but the Lynx responded with a series of free throws that sealed their victory. The final moments were tense, as both teams fought for every point, showcasing the high level of competition in the WNBA.
Fans watching the game were treated to a display of skill and determination, with players like Howard and Citron making significant contributions on both ends of the court. The matchup not only highlighted the rivalry between the two teams but also underscored the unpredictable nature of the WNBA, where each game can swing dramatically in the final moments.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -8.5 | 170.5 o -105 / u -115 | Minnesota Lynx -425 · Washington Mystics +330 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
Leaders
- PointsSonia Citron28Washington Mystics
- AssistsSonia Citron3Washington Mystics
- ReboundsShakira Austin16Washington Mystics
- PointsNatasha Howard21Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles5Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard15Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 6-4Streak W381.6 scored · 82.9 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W84-79at Minnesota LynxJun 21
- W86-83at New York LibertyJun 19
- W88-81at Connecticut SunJun 17
- L64-86at New York LibertyJun 14
- W86-85vs Toronto TempoJun 12
- L76-78vs Indiana FeverJun 8
- L77-109at Atlanta DreamJun 6
- W90-72vs Chicago SkyJun 2
- L87-92vs Los Angeles SparksMay 29
- W78-64at Seattle StormMay 28
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 8-2Streak L192.8 scored · 77.9 allowed per game4-1 away
- L79-84vs Washington MysticsJun 21
- W81-75at Golden State ValkyriesJun 20
- W99-83at Los Angeles SparksJun 18
- W107-74vs Portland FireJun 16
- L97-100at Las Vegas AcesJun 14
- W100-76vs Dallas WingsJun 10
- W88-68vs Seattle StormJun 6
- W87-84vs Golden State ValkyriesJun 5
- W111-77at Phoenix MercuryJun 2
- W79-58at Chicago SkyMay 29
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 | Minnesota Lynx | Washington Mystics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-71 | 26-61 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-30 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 31 |
| Free throws | 16-22 | 19-27 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 34 |
| Assists | 19 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 38 |
| Fouls | 25 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 21 | 74 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter42-46Courtney Williams makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-47Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter43-47Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter44-47Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter44-49Shakira Austin makes 5-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter44-51Lauren Betts makes 4-foot two point shot (Georgia Amoore assists)
- 3rd Quarter44-53Michaela Onyenwere makes layup (Lauren Betts assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-53Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-55Lauren Betts makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter45-56Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter48-56Kayla McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-57Sonia Citron makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter48-58Sonia Citron makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter50-58Maya Caldwell makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter50-60Sonia Citron makes running layup (Georgia Amoore assists)
- 4th Quarter53-60Maya Caldwell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter53-63Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter53-64Georgia Amoore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-65Georgia Amoore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter56-65Nia Coffey makes 23-foot running jump shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter56-67Sonia Citron makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter58-67Natasha Howard makes layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter59-67Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter61-67Olivia Miles makes 4-foot two point shot (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 4th Quarter62-67Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-67Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-69Kiki Iriafen makes layup (Shakira Austin assists)
- 4th Quarter64-69Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-71Shakira Austin makes 20-foot jumper (Kiki Iriafen assists)
- 4th Quarter66-71Kayla McBride makes 8-foot two point shot (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter68-71Natasha Howard makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter70-71Olivia Miles makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter72-71Natasha Howard makes 3-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-74Sonia Citron makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter74-74Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-74Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-74Olivia Miles makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter78-75Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-76Angela Dugalic makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Washington Mystics, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- CareFirst ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance4200
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Sarah Williams, Josh Reed
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Defeat Mystics 94-84 in WNBA ClashAug 21, 2026
- Mystics Edge Lynx in Close ContestJun 21, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Mystics in WNBA ShowdownApr 25, 2026