Sat May 24 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Washington Mystics defeated the Atlanta Dream in their season opener with a final score of 94-90 after a tense fourth quarter. Brittney Sykes sealed the win with a go-ahead layup and a steal in the final seconds. While Sykes led the team with 22 points despite some struggles from the field, rookies Sonia Citron (19 points) and Kiki Iriafen (14 points) also made significant contributions. Veteran Stefanie Dolson’s late third-quarter three-pointer provided a crucial momentum shift for the Mystics who were down by as many as 12 points in the second half. The Dream’s Brittney Griner had a strong fourth quarter, nearly leading her team to victory. The Mystics showcased efficiency on offense, shooting over 50% from the field and from three-point range, and enjoyed enthusiastic support from a sold-out crowd.

**News Article:**

**Sykes Steal Seals Mystics’ Thrilling Season-Opening Victory Over Dream**

**WASHINGTON** – The Washington Mystics opened their 2024 WNBA season with a hard-fought 94-90 victory over the Atlanta Dream in front of a sold-out crowd at CareFirst Arena Friday night. Brittney Sykes proved to be the hero for the Mystics, scoring a team-high 22 points and clinching the win with a go-ahead layup and a crucial steal in the game’s final seconds.

The game saw a tense fourth quarter, as Atlanta’s veteran Brittney Griner ignited her team with 13 points, including a string of nine consecutive points and a game-tying jumper with 34 seconds left. However, Sykes answered with the decisive play of the night, showcasing her clutch performance.

Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen both started for the Mystics and impressed, Citron scoring 19 points on near-perfect shooting (6-7 FG) and Iriafen adding 14 points and four rebounds. The pair showcased promising chemistry with several assists to each other. Lucy Olsen, another rookie, also added to the score.

“Shooting well and being efficient with our possessions, it’s been a big point of emphasis and a challenge for us,” Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said. “Tonight, they showed up big time, making some timely shots and valuing possessions.”

After trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, a momentum-shifting three-pointer from veteran Stefanie Dolson at the end of the third quarter sparked a Mystics comeback.

The Mystics displayed impressive offensive efficiency, shooting 50.8% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, securing the victory and delighting the energized home crowd. “The energy was electric,” Iriafen said. “(The fans) were cheering for all of us. They really showed out for us.”

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