Mystics' season ends as Dream pull away for 93-75 win

Washington got within three points early in the fourth quarter. Atlanta answered with 13 straight, and the Mystics' season ended Wednesday night with a 93-75 loss at CareFirst Arena.

The Dream swept the best-of-three first-round series 2-0. Sonia Citron led all scorers with 25 points, and Kiki Iriafen finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds for Washington.

The Mystics trailed 65-58 entering the fourth. Citron made two free throws, and Cassandre Prosper's layup cut the deficit to 65-62 with 9:14 remaining. That was as close as Washington got.

"They never, ever, ever quit," coach Sydney Johnson said in the postgame press conference, describing Washington's toughness.

Angel Reese scored at the other end, Naz Hillmon added two baskets, and Atlanta's lead grew while Washington lost possessions. Reese's two free throws made it 73-62. Citron then committed an offensive foul, and Rhyne Howard hit a jumper. Jordin Canada's 3-pointer with 6:42 left capped the 13-0 run and made it 78-62.

Washington committed 19 turnovers to Atlanta's eight. The Dream converted those mistakes into 23 points, while the Mystics scored eight points off turnovers. Washington also made seven of 22 attempts from 3-point range, compared with Atlanta's 13 of 32.

Canada finished with 19 points and 11 assists, scoring 13 in the fourth quarter. Her back-to-back 3-pointers and a pull-up jumper pushed the Dream's lead to 89-70 with 2:58 remaining. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 22 points. Howard and Reese scored 15 apiece.

Citron made six of 13 shots, including three of six from deep, and went 10 of 11 at the foul line. Michaela Onyenwere added 12 points for Washington. Prosper scored 10 off the bench, and Shakira Austin finished with nine.

Iriafen grabbed 16 of Washington's 42 rebounds, helping the Mystics hold a 42-27 advantage on the glass. It wasn't enough to offset the extra possessions and 3-pointers Atlanta gained. The Dream outscored Washington 28-17 in the fourth quarter.

Johnson also reflected on the season after the elimination: "It's been a magical ride."