Mystics Edge Mercury in Close Contest
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Washington Mystics 80, Phoenix Mercury 73, 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 Phoenix Mercury?
Washington Mystics beat Phoenix Mercury 80-73 at Mortgage Matchup Center on August 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury?
Washington Mystics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Washington Mystics defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-73 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory marks the Mystics' fourth consecutive win over the Mercury in their current series, extending their dominance to a 3-0 record this season against Phoenix. The Mystics, with a strong away record of 24-15, came into the game having won seven of their last ten, while the Mercury struggled with a record of 13-26, losing three straight games and winning only three of their last ten.
The game was characterized by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Georgia Amoore was pivotal for the Mystics, contributing key baskets in the fourth quarter, including a 23-foot three-point jumper that helped extend their lead. Lexi Held also made a significant layup during the final moments, showcasing the Mystics' ability to perform under pressure. Despite the Mercury's efforts to close the gap, including free throws from Kahleah Copper, they were unable to overcome the Mystics' lead.
In terms of recent form, the Mercury averaged 87.0 points scored but allowed 91.8 points over their last ten games. Their home record stood at 1-4 in the last five games, indicating struggles on their own court. Conversely, the Mystics averaged 87.8 points scored while allowing 84.0 points in their last ten, with a home record of 5-1 and an away record of 2-2 in that span.
The injury situation for the Mercury was a significant factor in the game. They were missing several key players, including Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper, both of whom were out due to lower leg and ankle injuries, respectively. Additionally, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were also unavailable, further depleting the Mercury's roster. The Mystics, on the other hand, appeared to be at full strength, which likely contributed to their success.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Mystics favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 164.5. The odds reflected the Mystics' stronger season performance compared to the Mercury. The home moneyline for the Mercury was set at +180, while the away moneyline for the Mystics was -218, indicating a clear expectation of a Mystics victory.
As the game unfolded, viewers should have noted the Mystics' effective use of three-point shooting, particularly from Amoore, who was instrumental in securing the win. The conditions of the game were conducive to a high-paced contest, and the Mystics capitalized on their scoring opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Mercury significantly.
Overall, the Mystics' victory over the Mercury not only solidified their standing in the league but also highlighted the challenges faced by the Mercury, particularly in light of their injuries and recent form. The game served as a testament to the Mystics' resilience and ability to perform in crucial moments.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WSH -5.5 | 164.5 o -115 / u -105 | Washington Mystics -218 · Phoenix Mercury +180 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsKahleah Copper35Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas8Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas10Phoenix Mercury
- PointsGeorgia Amoore25Washington Mystics
- AssistsBetnijah Laney-Hamilton7Washington Mystics
- ReboundsKiki Iriafen12Washington Mystics
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 3-7Streak L387 scored · 91.8 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L84-94vs Washington MysticsAug 26
- L89-99vs Atlanta DreamAug 23
- L85-88vs Portland FireAug 16
- W94-87at Los Angeles SparksAug 12
- L75-95at Washington MysticsAug 9
- L72-75at Connecticut SunAug 7
- L82-96at Atlanta DreamAug 5
- W106-101at Chicago SkyAug 4
- L92-94vs New York LibertyAug 1
- W91-89vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 30
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 7-3Streak W287.8 scored · 84 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W96-92vs Dallas WingsAug 5
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 | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-61 | 27-66 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-17 | 5-17 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 29 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 24 |
| Assists | 20 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 38 |
| Fouls | 20 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 61 | 33 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter45-39Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-42Kahleah Copper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-42Kiki Iriafen makes layup
- 3rd Quarter47-44Natasha Mack makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter49-44Kiki Iriafen makes layup (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-45Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-46Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-48Kahleah Copper makes running layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-48Alicia Florez makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter51-50Maddy Westbeld makes 7-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-53Lexi Held makes 27-foot three point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-54Lexi Held makes free throw flagrant 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter53-54Kiki Iriafen makes 6-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter53-55Lexi Held makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-56Lexi Held makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-57Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-60Shay Ciezki makes 24-foot three pointer (Natasha Mack assists)
- 4th Quarter53-62Shay Ciezki makes 5-foot jumper (Maddy Westbeld assists)
- 4th Quarter53-63Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter55-63Georgia Amoore makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter56-63Georgia Amoore makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter58-63Shakira Austin makes running layup (Georgia Amoore assists)
- 4th Quarter61-63Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot running jump shot (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter61-65Alyssa Thomas makes running layup (Maddy Westbeld assists)
- 4th Quarter63-65Sonia Citron makes 2-foot layup (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 4th Quarter64-65Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-65Shakira Austin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-65Georgia Amoore makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter69-65Kiki Iriafen makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 4th Quarter70-65Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter70-67Noemie Brochant makes 7-foot two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter70-69Natasha Mack makes layup
- 4th Quarter72-69Georgia Amoore makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter72-71Lexi Held makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter75-71Georgia Amoore makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kiki Iriafen assists)
- 4th Quarter75-72Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-73Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-73Georgia Amoore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter79-73Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-73Betnijah Laney-Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Washington Mystics.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance9040
- OfficialsAngel Kent, Teresa Stuck, Ken Jones
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Washington Mystics Defeat Phoenix Mercury 94-84Aug 25, 2026
- Mystics Dominate Mercury in 95-75 VictoryAug 9, 2026
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats Washington Mystics 75-69Sep 4, 2025