The decisive moment
Washington seized control early and never relinquished it, turning a competitive opening into a runaway by halftime. The Mystics' sustained pressure on both ends stretched the lead into double digits and left Chicago chasing the rest of the way.
By the numbers
- Final score: Washington 90, Chicago 72
- Margin of victory: 18 points
- Chicago played without three key contributors: Courtney Vandersloot (knee), DiJonai Carrington (foot) and Rickea Jackson (season-ending knee injury)
The 18-point cushion reflected a balanced Washington effort against a Chicago group stretched thin by absences.
What it means
For the Mystics, this is the kind of complete performance that builds confidence as the 2026 WNBA Regular Season unfolds. For the Sky, the loss underscores how heavily the mounting injuries are weighing on the rotation, with Jackson now out for the remainder of the season after a torn ACL. Chicago will need its remaining core to shoulder a larger load until reinforcements return.
What to watch next
Watch how Washington carries this momentum into its next matchup and whether the Sky can steady themselves while navigating a depleted roster.