Efficient Melbourne has 11 point in Mystics first win

• Australian Opals point guard Jade Melbourne shoots 66% from field in home opener
• Washington Mystics hold off Atlanta Dream 90-94 in first game of the season
• 2025 WNBA Draft pick Georgia Amoore is out with an injured ACL

Australian point guard Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics (1-0) defeated Atlanta Dream (0-1) 94-90 at Capital One Arena on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in their season opener of WNBA 2025.

A standout fourth quarter performance from Mystics star Brittney Sykes helped the home side secure their first win of the season.

Key Details

• Result: Washington Mystics 94 def. Atlanta Dream 90
• When: May 17, 2025
• Where: Capital One Arena, Washington
• Standings: Mystics (#1) | Dream (#2) Standings

By the Numbers

• Allisha Gray (Atlanta) starred with 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 36 minutes.
• Brittney Sykes (Washington) scored 22 points, and had three rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block in 37 minutes.

What Happened

The Dream started strong, taking a 24-20 lead after the first quarter behind Gray's hot shooting. Both teams traded baskets in the second period as Atlanta maintained their four-point advantage at halftime, leading 45-41.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Washington outscored Atlanta 30-25. Rookie Sonia Citron ignited the Mystics, helping them take their first lead since early in the game. Washington's 9-2 run midway through the third quarter proved crucial in changing the game's complexion.

Australian Opals guard Melbourne finished with an efficient 11 points on 4-from-6 from the field, including 2-from-3 from deep in 22 minutes. She also grabbed five boards, snatched two steals and dished an assist.

The Mystics' efficient shooting made the difference, as they connected on 50.8 percent of their attempts (31-from-61) compared to Atlanta's 40.5 percent (30-from-74). Washington was particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting a remarkable 50 percent (9-from-18) while Atlanta managed 33.3 percent (12-from-36).

Defensively, Washington forced 14 turnovers while committing only seven of their own. This ball security proved vital in the closing minutes when the Dream threatened to reclaim the lead.

The Mystics' interior defence was also solid, registering four blocks to Atlanta's two and disrupting the Dream's inside scoring opportunities.

It would have been 2025 WNBA draftee Georgia Amoore's first game but she is out indefinitely with an ACL injury that she suffered in training camp.