Jackie Young pumped in a season-high 32 points with a stellar start and a clutch late-game stretch as the Las Vegas Aces fended off visiting Washington for an 83-76 victory on Thursday, topping the Mystics for the second time in three nights.
With the result, Las Vegas (24-11) clinched a playoff berth for the eighth consecutive season. The defending champion Aces are aiming for their fourth title in five years.
Young made 10 of 14 shots, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range, while reaching the 30-point level for the first time this season.
WNBA scoring leader A’ja Wilson added 15 points despite 5-for-14 shooting from the field for Las Vegas. Reserve Jewell Loyd provided 13 points, a total boosted by three 3-pointers.
The Aces outscored Washington 25-8 on free throws.
Shakira Austin led the Mystics (19-14) with a season-best 29 points, hitting 12 of 20 shots. Sonia Citron tacked on 17 points and eight assists, but no other member of the team had more than five points.
The rematch was a tussle after the Aces prevailed 86-76 on Tuesday night, also in Las Vegas.
Austin left the Thursday game in the third quarter due to a potential head injury, but she was back on the floor in the fourth quarter.
Washington also navigated foul trouble for Kiki Iriafen, who had five fouls before the end of the third quarter.
The Mystics, who trailed by 10 points in the third quarter, pulled even at 62-62 on Austin’s driving layup early in the fourth. Young then produced a 3-pointer, two free throws after she was fouled on a 3-point attempt and a layup as Las Vegas built a 69-64 edge with 5:05 to play.
Young kept it going with two more foul shots and then another 3-pointer, extending the lead to 74-64 with 4:18 remaining.
Earlier, Young racked up 10 points as the Aces raced to a 14-2 lead in the first five minutes.
The Mystics threatened to come all the way back in the second quarter before trailing 38-32 at halftime.
Washington took a brief two-point edge, its first lead of the game, with 3:07 left in the third quarter before the Aces responded and held a 58-55 advantage going to the final period.
–Field Level Media
