Mystics lose a nailbiter to the Aces 84-83

In their first game back post Olympic break, the Washington Mystics lose a heartbreaker to the Las Vegas Aces, 84-83.

The Mystics led by double digits for much of the game. Shooting 56% percent from the field and 57% from three, the Mystics built a considerable lead in the first quarter, 27-15. Washington kept the pressure on in the second quarter and took a 50-35 lead into halftime.

But the second half sang a different tune.The Mystics were ice cold in the third quarter, shooting 38% from the field and 20% from three. Meanwhile, the Aces shot 44% from the field and won the third quarter. But they still trailed 69-55.

The wheels came off for the Mystics in the fourth quarter. Little by little, the Aces inched their way back into the game. Jackie Young made a pullup jump shot that made the score 81-79 with less than a minute to go and she gets fouled while doing it. Young makes the free throw and the Mystics find themselves clinging to a one-point lead.

The dagger for the Mystics came when Chelsea Gray made a clutch 16-foot step back

jumpshot with less than five seconds remaining. Ariel Atkins misses on the other end and the Mystics let one slip from their fingers.

The Aces scored 29 points in the fourth quarter and dominated the Mystics defensively. Washington scored a measly 14 points with 5 turnovers and -15 plus/minus. Tina Charles and Ariel Atkins scored 20 points each. Myisha Hines-Allen finished with 16, and Natasha Cloud chipped in 11 points.

The Mystics will have one more game against the Aces this Tuesday at the Mandalay Bay. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET.