Lynx Defeat Mystics 94-84 in WNBA Clash
Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · CareFirst Arena
Minnesota Lynx 94, Washington Mystics 84, 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 94-84 at CareFirst Arena on August 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Washington Mystics?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Lynx secured a 94-84 victory over the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena, continuing their strong performance in the WNBA. With this win, the Lynx improved their record to 32-7, while the Mystics fell to 21-16. The matchup was notable as it marked the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with Minnesota winning the series 2-1.
In terms of recent form, the Lynx have been dominant, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, including a five-game winning streak. They averaged 93.5 points scored per game while allowing 84.1 points during this stretch. Their last game prior to this matchup was a victory against the Golden State Valkyries, where they won 77-66. The Mystics, on the other hand, have also been in good form, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games and a two-game winning streak. They averaged 86.8 points scored per game while allowing 82.0 points.
At home, the Mystics have been particularly strong, holding an undefeated record of 8-0 in their last eight home games. Conversely, the Lynx have an impressive away record of 5-0 in their last five road games. This fixture was crucial for both teams as they aimed to solidify their standings in the league.
Historically, the Lynx have had the upper hand in their recent encounters with the Mystics, winning four of the last six meetings. In their previous matchups this season, the Mystics lost 76-78 at home on June 24 but managed to secure a win on the road against the Lynx on June 21 with a score of 84-79.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were missing three players: Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various reasons. The absence of these players could have impacted the Lynx's depth and strategy going into the game.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated a close contest, with Minnesota favored by 1.5 points and a total set at 165.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, as both teams have shown strong performances leading up to this game.
The game conditions were typical for a late summer evening, with no specific weather-related factors influencing play. Viewers were treated to a display of skilled basketball, with notable scoring plays in the fourth quarter that highlighted the Lynx's ability to maintain their lead. Key moments included free throws from Georgia Amoore and Sonia Citron, as well as critical three-pointers from Kayla McBride, who played a pivotal role in extending the Lynx's lead.
Overall, this matchup showcased the competitive spirit of the WNBA, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and strategies. The Lynx's victory not only solidified their position in the league but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -1.5 | 165.5 o -115 / u -105 | Minnesota Lynx -135 · Washington Mystics +114 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
Leaders
- PointsKiki Iriafen19Washington Mystics
- AssistsShakira Austin6Washington Mystics
- ReboundsKiki Iriafen13Washington Mystics
- PointsOlivia Miles24Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams8Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard7Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 8-2Streak W286.8 scored · 82 allowed per game8-0 at home
- W93-82vs Toronto TempoAug 19
- W80-70vs Los Angeles SparksAug 15
- L76-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 14
- L76-86at Las Vegas AcesAug 12
- W95-75vs Phoenix MercuryAug 9
- W79-74vs Atlanta DreamAug 7
- W96-92vs Dallas WingsAug 5
- W81-75vs Dallas WingsJul 31
- W92-84vs Connecticut SunJul 28
- W100-99vs Las Vegas AcesJul 22
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 9-1Streak W593.5 scored · 84.1 allowed per game5-0 away
- W77-66at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W92-87at Las Vegas AcesAug 16
- W85-81at Portland FireAug 13
- W103-90vs Dallas WingsAug 9
- W98-87vs Las Vegas AcesAug 8
- L82-89vs Los Angeles SparksAug 7
- W108-100vs Indiana FeverAug 2
- W104-72at Toronto TempoJul 31
- W100-93vs Toronto TempoJul 29
- W86-76at Seattle StormJul 22
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 | 37-70 | 30-66 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 11-27 | 7-21 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 33 |
| Free throws | 9-10 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 23 |
| Assists | 25 | 21 |
| Steals | 9 | 2 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 40 |
| Fouls | 18 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 90 | 9 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter57-50Olivia Miles makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter57-51Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter57-52Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-52Kayla McBride makes 22-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-53Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-54Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-56Sonia Citron makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Lauren Betts assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-56Maya Caldwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-56Maya Caldwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-56Natasha Howard makes layup
- 3rd Quarter64-59Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-61Alicia Florez makes 2-foot layup (Shakira Austin assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-63Shakira Austin makes layup (Alicia Florez assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-63Natasha Howard makes 2-foot floating jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-63Olivia Miles makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter68-66Sonia Citron makes 24-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter71-66Courtney Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-67Lauren Betts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-67Kayla McBride makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter74-67Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-67Courtney Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-69Kiki Iriafen makes layup (Georgia Amoore assists)
- 4th Quarter75-70Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter75-73Georgia Amoore makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cotie McMahon assists)
- 4th Quarter75-74Cotie McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-76Kiki Iriafen makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter77-76Natasha Howard makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter80-76Olivia Miles makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter82-76Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-77Shakira Austin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-77Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter84-79Shakira Austin makes layup (Kiki Iriafen assists)
- 4th Quarter84-80Georgia Amoore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-80Olivia Miles makes running layup
- 4th Quarter89-80Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter89-81Sonia Citron makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-82Sonia Citron makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-82Kayla McBride makes 25-foot jump bank shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter92-84Michaela Onyenwere makes 6-foot two point shot (Shakira Austin assists)
- 4th Quarter94-84Natasha Howard makes layup (Olivia Miles assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Washington Mystics, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- CareFirst ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance4200
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Marcy Williams, Catherine Chang
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Edge Mystics in Close ContestJun 24, 2026
- Mystics Edge Lynx in Close ContestJun 21, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Mystics in WNBA ShowdownApr 25, 2026