Sparks Edge Mystics in Thrilling Finish
Friday, August 28, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Sparks 88, Washington Mystics 82, 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 Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Washington Mystics 88-82 at crypto.com Arena on August 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Washington Mystics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks triumphed over the Washington Mystics with a final score of 88-82 at the crypto.com Arena. This victory marks the Sparks' second win in their three-game series against the Mystics, showcasing their competitive edge in this rivalry.
The Sparks entered the game with a home record of 14-25, having struggled recently with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, which included a one-game losing streak. They averaged 80.6 points scored while allowing 87.5 points during this stretch. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 76.6 points, while conceding 87.0 points, indicating defensive challenges. Their recent performances included a loss to the Atlanta Dream (71-78) and a win against the Connecticut Sun (77-68), but they faced a tough defeat against the Mystics earlier in the season (70-80).
On the other hand, the Washington Mystics came into the game with a strong away record of 24-16 and had been performing well, winning seven of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They averaged 86.2 points scored and allowed 82.1 points during this period. Their recent victories included wins against the Phoenix Mercury (80-73) and the Portland Fire (105-100). Despite their strong form, they were unable to secure a win against the Sparks in this matchup.
In terms of previous meetings, the Sparks had a slight edge in the series, winning two out of three games against the Mystics this season. The Sparks' victory on August 29 continued their success against Washington, following a win earlier in the season and a loss just a few games prior.
Injury-wise, the Sparks were without Aaliyah Nye, who was out for non-injury related reasons. This absence could have impacted their depth, but they managed to rally together for a strong performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Mystics favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 167.5. The odds reflected the Mystics' strong season, but the Sparks' home advantage proved significant in this encounter.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, and viewers were treated to a thrilling fourth quarter. Key plays included Rae Burrell's crucial contributions, as she scored multiple times in the final moments, including a driving layup that sealed the game for the Sparks. The final minutes were marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of WNBA basketball.
Overall, the Sparks' ability to capitalize on their home court and execute in critical moments led them to a hard-fought victory against the Mystics, further intensifying their rivalry.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics at crypto.com Arena promises to be a significant encounter, as both teams vie for positioning in the WNBA standings. The series is currently tied 1-1, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest. The Sparks, with a record of 13-25, have struggled throughout the season, while the Mystics boast a much stronger record at 24-15.
In their recent form, the Sparks have faced challenges, losing four of their last five games. Their most recent outing resulted in a loss against the Atlanta Dream, with a score of 78-71 on August 25. Prior to that, they secured a narrow victory against the Connecticut Sun, winning 77-68. Overall, the Sparks have averaged 80.6 points scored per game while allowing 87.5 points during their last ten games, with a home record of 1-4 in that stretch. Their last five games show an average of 76.6 points scored and 87.0 points allowed. Nneka Ogwumike leads the Sparks with an average of 16.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while Erica Wheeler contributes 5.1 assists.
On the other hand, the Mystics come into the game with a much more favorable recent performance, winning seven of their last ten games and currently riding a three-game winning streak. Their latest victory was against the Phoenix Mercury, where they won 80-73 on August 28. The Mystics have averaged 86.2 points scored and allowed 82.1 points in their last ten games, with a strong away record of 3-2 in that span. Shakira Austin leads the Mystics with an average of 16.8 points, while Kiki Iriafen is a standout on the boards, averaging 9.4 rebounds.
When considering home versus away performance, the Sparks have struggled at home with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, while the Mystics have performed well on the road, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. This disparity could play a crucial role in the matchup.
In terms of previous meetings, the Sparks and Mystics have faced each other six times in the last two seasons, with the Sparks holding a slight edge at 4-2. However, the Mystics won the most recent encounter on August 15, 2026, with a score of 80-70. The Sparks did manage to win earlier in the season on May 29, 2026, with a score of 92-87.
Injury updates indicate that Alissa Pili will be out for the Sparks due to a coach's decision, which could impact their depth and overall performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Mystics favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 167.5. The odds reflect the Mystics' stronger season performance and recent form.
As for conditions, the game will take place at the crypto.com Arena, where the Sparks will hope to leverage their home court advantage despite their recent struggles.
Viewers should watch for how the Sparks respond to their recent losses and whether they can capitalize on their home court. Additionally, the performance of Nneka Ogwumike will be key for the Sparks, while the Mystics will look to continue their winning momentum led by Shakira Austin. With both teams having something significant to play for, this matchup is set to be an exciting contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WSH -5.5 | 167.5 o -105 / u -115 | Washington Mystics -205 · Los Angeles Sparks +170 |
Injury report
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsNneka Ogwumike24Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler8Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsCameron Brink5Los Angeles Sparks
- PointsSonia Citron22Washington Mystics
- AssistsGeorgia Amoore5Washington Mystics
- ReboundsShakira Austin10Washington Mystics
Recent form
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L180.6 scored · 87.5 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L71-78vs Atlanta DreamAug 25
- W77-68vs Connecticut SunAug 23
- L88-124vs Atlanta DreamAug 21
- L77-85at Connecticut SunAug 18
- L70-80at Washington MysticsAug 15
- L81-85at New York LibertyAug 14
- L87-94vs Phoenix MercuryAug 12
- L78-84vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 9
- W89-82at Minnesota LynxAug 7
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 7-3Streak W386.2 scored · 82.1 allowed per game3-2 away
- W80-73at Phoenix MercuryAug 28
- W94-84at Phoenix MercuryAug 26
- W105-100at Portland FireAug 23
- L84-94vs Minnesota LynxAug 21
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Washington Mystics | Los Angeles Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-63 | 36-64 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 40 |
| Free throws | 12-17 | 8-14 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 57 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 20 |
| Assists | 20 | 28 |
| Steals | 4 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 31 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 50 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 54 | 27 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-44Nneka Ogwumike makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter53-44Shakira Austin makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Georgia Amoore assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-44Shakira Austin makes 8-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter55-47Erica Wheeler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-49Nneka Ogwumike makes 16-foot jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-49Shakira Austin makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter57-51Monique Akoa Makani makes 2-foot layup (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-53Dearica Hamby makes two point shot (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-55Monique Akoa Makani makes 2-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter57-56Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter59-56Lauren Betts makes layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-56Lauren Betts makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter60-59Cameron Brink makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-61Tonie Morgan makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter61-61Michaela Onyenwere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-61Michaela Onyenwere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-62Tonie Morgan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-63Tonie Morgan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-63Georgia Amoore makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kiki Iriafen assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-64Cameron Brink makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-65Cameron Brink makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-65Georgia Amoore makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter68-67Ariel Atkins makes 1-foot two point shot (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter70-67Shakira Austin makes 12-foot fade away jump shot (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter70-70Erica Wheeler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter70-72Cameron Brink makes running layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter73-72Sonia Citron makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter74-72Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-72Sonia Citron makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter76-74Ariel Atkins makes layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter76-76Rae Burrell makes two point shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter76-78Rae Burrell makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter76-80Cameron Brink makes two point shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter78-80Lauren Betts makes layup (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 4th Quarter78-83Rae Burrell makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter78-85Rae Burrell makes running layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter80-85Sonia Citron makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter80-86Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-88Rae Burrell makes driving layup (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter82-88Shakira Austin makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Sparks, below favours Washington Mystics.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance12551
- OfficialsKevin Fahy, Agon Abazi, Kelsey Reynolds
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Mystics Secure Victory Over Sparks in Close ContestAug 15, 2026
- Sparks Edge Mystics in Thrilling FinishMay 29, 2026