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Target Center buzzed with Pride flags and loud support, but the celebration ended in a narrow defeat for the Minnesota Lynx. On a night meant to honor inclusivity, the home team fell short and now looks ahead to a quick chance at redemption.
Final score and standings update: tight loss drops Lynx to 13-4
Minnesota fell 84-79 to the Washington Mystics on Sunday. It was the Lynx’s fourth loss of the season. The defeat keeps the team near the top of the WNBA standings, but it came with a sting because of the game’s special occasion.
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Coach Cheryl Reeve reacts after Pride Night setback
Cheryl Reeve was candid after the game. She praised the crowd and their energy all night. She also said the team hoped to win on a night honoring Pride.
Reeve is more than an ally. She is openly gay and is married to Lynx vice president Carley Knox. Her remarks reflected both her personal connection and professional disappointment.
She thanked the fans for their support and made clear the loss felt heavier given the Pride-themed atmosphere.
Standout performers who shaped the outcome
The final margin belied a tight contest driven by several strong individual nights.
- Olivia Miles (Mystics) — 22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks. The rookie led all scorers and showed poise late in the game.
- Sonia Citron (Mystics) — 21 points. A major scoring contributor when Washington needed buckets.
- Kiki Iriafen (Mystics) — 17 points. Efficient scoring helped Washington pull ahead in key moments.
- Key Lynx efforts — Minnesota fought throughout, with multiple players battling on both ends to keep the game within reach.
How the game played out: momentum swings and late drama
The contest featured lead changes and tense possessions down the stretch. Minnesota kept pressure on the Mystics with gritty defense.
Washington answered with timely shots and rebounds in the fourth quarter. The visitors converted when it mattered, edging past the Lynx in the final minutes.
Next stop: quick rematch in Washington, D.C.
Minnesota gets little time to stew. The teams meet again on Wednesday at CareFirst Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
- Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
- Time: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday
- What to watch: adjustments from Minnesota and whether Olivia Miles keeps leading Washington’s attack.
