Smith's big game not enough to propel Lynx

• Alanna Smith had her biggest game of the WNBA season with 26 points and six blocks for the Minnesota Lynx
• The Lynx have the best record in the WNBA at 12-2
• Smith was part of the Australian Opals side which won bronze at the Paris Olympics

A clutch layup from former WNBL import Sug Sutton has spoiled Alanna Smith's big game as the Washington Mystics beat an understrength Minnesota Lynx 68-64 at St Elizabeth's East Entertainment and Sports Arena in the WNBA.

Smith, who helped lead the Australian Opals to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was dominant for the league leaders with 26 points, six blocks and five rebounds in 30 minutes for the Lynx but it wasn't enough to get a win on the road.

The first quarter set the tone for a closely fought contest with Minnesota establishing an early 22-20 lead. The Lynx controlled the early exchanges behind Smith's strong inside presence, but Melbourne's layup and Austin's inside scoring kept Washington within striking distance.

In the second quarter, Washington found their rhythm, with Citron hitting a clutch three-pointer with 1:24 remaining. The Mystics' offense executed effectively, outscoring Minnesota 19-15 in the period to take a slim 39-37 lead into halftime. Dolson's outside shooting proved valuable, connecting from beyond the arc to give Washington momentum.

The third quarter featured dramatic swings as Smith's three-pointer with 8:20 remaining brought Minnesota within one point at 41-40. The lead changed hands several times before a crucial sequence in the final seconds when Shepard's buzzer-beating layup gave the Lynx a 55-54 advantage heading into the final frame.

Defensively, Washington forced 19 Minnesota turnovers while committing 16 of their own. The Mystics shot 37% from the field (27-from-73) but connected on five three-pointers which proved decisive. Minnesota struggled from distance, hitting just 16.7% (3-from-18) from beyond the arc despite shooting a slightly better percentage overall.

The game's decisive moment came with 27 seconds remaining when Sug Sutton converted a clutch layup to give Washington a 66-64 lead after Williams lost the ball. Citron then calmly sank two free throws in the final seconds to secure the upset victory for the Mystics against the previously dominant Lynx, who entered the game with a 12-1 record.

Smith's fellow Aussie, Jade Melbourne, had five points and five assists for the Mystics in 36 minutes.