Australia Day! Jade inserted into starting line-up

• Australian Opals point guard Jade Melbourne starts her first game of the season for Washington Mystics
• Steph Talbot's Golden State Valkyries go into Los Angeles and get their second win
• Ezi Magbegor and Sami Whitcomb go head-to-head in Seattle vs Phoenix clash

Australian point guard Jade Melbourne was inserted into Washington's starting line-up but the Mystics ran head-long into A'ja Wilson and the the Las Vegas Aces.

The Aces moved to 2-1 after holding off the Mystics 75-72 at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Melbourne, 23, logged 35 minutes and scored 14 points, grabbed three boards, dished an assist and had a steal.

Las Vegas' Jackie Young's 25-point performance led a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory.

Key Details

• Result: Las Vegas Aces 75 def. Washington Mystics 72
• When: May 24, 2025
• Where: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas
• Standings: Aces (#2) | Mystics (#5)

By the Numbers

• Jackie Young (Aces) starred with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes.
• Sonia Citron (Mystics) scored 19 points, and had five rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes.
• Australian Jade Melbourne (Mystics) contributed 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 35 minutes.

What Happened

The Mystics controlled the early proceedings, taking an 18-16 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 42-33 by halftime. Washington maintained their advantage through the third quarter, heading into the final period with a comfortable 59-50 lead.

The game dramatically shifted in the fourth quarter when the Aces outscored the Mystics 25-13. Las Vegas found their rhythm offensively while tightening their defence, forcing Washington into difficult shots and costly turnovers. Jackie Young took over in the final period, scoring crucial points down the stretch to complete the comeback.

A'ja Wilson delivered a dominant all-round performance with 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals. Her presence in the paint was pivotal, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Aces needed stops. Chelsea Gray added 17 points and four rebounds, providing steady leadership as Las Vegas mounted their comeback.

The Aces' defence proved to be the difference-maker, recording nine steals and six blocks compared to the Mystics' two steals and three blocks. Las Vegas forced 15 Washington turnovers while committing just eight of their own, creating additional scoring opportunities that proved crucial in the tight contest.

Despite shooting just 24.2 percent (8-from-33) from beyond the arc, the Aces excelled at the free-throw line, converting 19-of-20 attempts (95 percent). Washington rookie Kiki Iriafen impressed with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Stefanie Dolson contributed eight points, six rebounds, and eight assists in the losing effort.

Connecticut Sun @ Minnesota Lynx

Australian centre Alanna Smith was -11 in 15 minutes but the 2024 WNBA Finalist Lynx were still too much for the Connecticut Sun at the Target Center in Minneapolis, securing their first straight win 76-70 to start the 2025 season.

Smith finished with two points, two assists and four steals. Lynx teammate Napheesa Collier is near unstoppable at the moment, dropping 33 points on 11-from-21 from the field.

Golden State Valkyries @ Los Angeles Sparks

Australian Golden State Valkyries forward Steph Talbot got the win against her former club, helping the expansion franchise to their second win 82-73 against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Phoenix Mercury @ Seattle Storm

Australian Opals teammates Ezi Magbegor and Sami Whitcomb went head-to-head and it was centre Magbegor's Seattle Storm that came out on top against Whitcomb's Phoenix Mercury 77-70 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Magbegor finished with six points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and block in 32 minutes while Whitcomb shot 50% from the field, netting seven points while ripping down four defensive boards, delivering an assist and snatching a steal.