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Smith torches Mystics for 25 on 66% from field
Australian Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Mystics on August 9, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Minnesota Lynx overcome Washington Mystics in WNBA thriller behind Alanna Smith's 25 points
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Minnesota Lynx's Australian centre Alanna Smith went off against Opals' teammate Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics in the WNBA league-leader's 80-76 win at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The 28-year-old torched the Mystics for 25 points on 10-from-15 from the field (66%) including 4-from-9 from deep in 36 minutes. She ripped down four boards, had four assists, a steal and a block in the four-point win.
The Lynx moved to 26-5 and are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Key Details
- Result: Minnesota Lynx 80 def. Washington Mystics 76
- When: Saturday, 9th August 2025
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Standings: WNBA Standings
By the Numbers
- Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx) starred with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 36 minutes.
- Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics) scored 26 points, and had one rebound, four assists and one steal in 28 minutes.
What Happened
The Washington Mystics seized control early, outscoring the Minnesota Lynx 22-15 in the first quarter behind Sonia Citron's hot shooting. Citron connected on four three-pointers in the opening period, helping Washington build an 11-point advantage.
Minnesota responded forcefully in the second quarter, flipping the script with a 23-13 period that gave them a 38-35 halftime lead. Alanna Smith found her rhythm, scoring 13 points in the quarter on efficient shooting to lead the Lynx comeback.
The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets in an evenly contested 20-20 period. Smith continued her outstanding performance, connecting on two three-pointers while Courtney Williams added six points to help Minnesota maintain their slim advantage heading into the final frame.
With six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Kayla McBride hit a crucial three-point play to extend the Lynx lead to 70-66. The Australian guard finished with 11 points while adding four assists and three steals in a solid all-around performance.
Minnesota's defense tightened in the closing minutes, forcing the Mystics into four turnovers in the final three minutes. DiJonai Carrington's clutch three-pointer with 1:42 remaining pushed the lead to six points, effectively sealing the victory despite a late Washington push.
The Lynx overcame 14 team turnovers by shooting more efficiently from the field (51.8 per cent compared to Washington's 46.3 per cent). Minnesota also generated 25 points off Mystics turnovers, proving decisive in the four-point victory.
Australian Alanna Smith was exceptional for Minnesota, shooting an outstanding 10-from-15 from the field including 4-from-9 from three-point range. Her efficiency and clutch scoring were instrumental in the Lynx's comeback win.
Fellow Australian Jade Melbourne struggled for Washington, going scoreless in 29 minutes despite contributing three rebounds and three assists. The young guard couldn't find her shooting touch, missing both of her field goal attempts.
