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Howard and Miles lead Lynx to win over Mystics

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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx reacts after a play against the Washington Mystics during the fourth quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Natasha Howard had 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Olivia Miles scored 10 of her 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Lynx rallied from a 12-point deficit Wednesday night to beat the Washington Mystics 78-76.

Kayla McBride made five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points for the Lynx (14-4).

Miles hit a step-back jumper that cut Minnesota’s deficit to a point with 3:32 to play. After a Mystics timeout, the Lynx forced a shot-clock violation before Miles fed Howard for a wide-open layup that made it 72-71 — Minnesota’s first lead since 17-16 — and hit a 3 with 1:07 remaining that made it 78-74.

McBride hit the last of her four first-half 3-pointers with 1.1 seconds left in the second quarter to make it 40-all at halftime, but the Lynx made just 3 of 16 (19%) from the field in the third and trailed 65-53 with seven minutes to play.

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has 378 career wins, one behind Mike Thibault for most in WNBA history.

Washington (8-8) had won their last three.

Sonia Citron led the Mystics with 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Kiki Iriafen had 13 points and 11 rebounds, her fifth double-double this season, and Shakira Austin added 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Washington beat the Lynx 84-79 in Minneapolis on Sunday.

Up next

Lynx: Visit Dallas on Sunday.

Mystics: Play Friday at Connecticut.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

The Associated Press