Washington Mystics players stand on the court and look forward at something off camera, as if they are waiting for something.
Washington Mystics center Stefanie Dolson (31), guard Sonia Citron (22), guard Jade Melbourne (5) and forward Alysha Clark (32) stand on the court during a game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo credit: Chris Poss | The Next)

WASHINGTON — Early in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, an errant Phoenix 3-pointer led to a scramble for the rebound. Six players touched or leaped for the ball as it bounced around, but eventually Washington Mystics forward Emily Engstler got on the floor and wrested away possession. The Mystics turned that into a layup for forward Alysha Clark, which cut their deficit to 4 points.

Engstler’s rebound and Clark’s finish were the type of plays that helped the Mystics do something head coach Sydney Johnson has wanted throughout the season: Make it a one- or two-possession game in the fourth quarter, so they have a chance to close out the game late. 


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Jenn Hatfield is The IX Basketball's managing editor, Washington Mystics beat reporter and Ivy League beat reporter. She has been a contributor to The IX Basketball since December 2018. Her work has also...