WNBA Sunday Review: 4OT Marathon in Washington, and Dominance from A'ja

Read Time:4 Minute, 27 Second

Sunday’s WNBA games gave us more domination from A’ja Wilson in her quest to win a 5th MVP, and third straight. It gave us the second 4OT game in league history, and it showed the Valkyries are as real this year as tehy were last year. Let’s take a look at the action from yesterday’s games.

Mystics Outlast Fire in Four-Overtime Classic

Some games become part of league history the moment they end. Washington’s 124-123 victory over the Portland Fire belongs in that category.

The contest became just the second four-overtime game in WNBA history and tied the league record for the longest game ever played.

Washington looked ready to lose several times. Portland answered nearly every run, and neither team could find the defensive stop needed to end it before the fourth extra session.

The decisive basket finally came with 21.4 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime when Sonia Citron drove and scored to give Washington the lead for good.

Citron finished with a career-high 32 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Michaela Onyenwere matched the moment with 30 points, while rookie Kiki Iriafen delivered perhaps the most complete game of her young career, scoring 27 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and handing out six assists.

The trio accomplished something no WNBA team had ever done. Washington became the first club in league history to have three players score at least 27 points in the same game.

Portland refused to fold.

Carla Leite poured in 32 points while adding nine assists. Sarah Ashlee Barker scored a career-high 25 points, and Megan Gustafson contributed 20. Every possession carried playoff intensity despite the calendar still reading June.

After nearly three hours of basketball, Washington escaped with a win that players and coaches will remember long after this season ends.

A’ja Wilson Continues Her MVP Campaign

Chicago had no answer for A’ja Wilson.

The Las Vegas star controlled every part of the game in a 107-99 victory over the Sky, finishing with 30 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, and three blocked shots. Those numbers were more than impressive. They were historic.

Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks in the same game. She attacked inside, forced Chicago’s defense into constant rotations, and lived at the free-throw line, making 13 of 16 attempts.

Jackie Young added 28 points and eight assists, while Chelsea Gray directed the offense with 18 points and eight assists.

Chicago stayed within striking distance thanks to 24 points apiece from Kamilla Cardoso and Azurá Stevens, but every comeback attempt met another answer from Wilson.

When the game tightened late in the fourth quarter, Wilson simply took over again.

Olivia Miles Keeps Raising the Bar

Minnesota entered Dallas with the league’s best record and another chance to show why it has separated itself from the rest of the WNBA.

Olivia Miles once again played beyond her years. The rookie guard scored 21 points and handed out eight assists as the Lynx defeated the Wings 85-77.

Miles controlled Minnesota’s offense from the opening possession. She dictated pace, created easy opportunities for teammates, and repeatedly broke down Dallas defenders off the dribble.

Natasha Howard matched her with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Kayla McBride added 17 points.

Dallas received 25 points from Paige Bueckers and 21 from Azzi Fudd, but Minnesota’s balance proved too much.

The victory also gave head coach Cheryl Reeve her 379th regular-season win, tying Mike Thibault for the most coaching victories in WNBA history.

Golden State Sends Another Message

Golden State continues to prove it is a team built to win. The Valkyries defeated the Liberty 76-67, earning their seventh victory in nine games while handing New York its fourth loss in five contests.

Golden State won without relying on one dominant scorer. Kaila Charles led the team with 13 points. Kayla Thornton added 11, while Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaün scored 10 apiece. Veronica Burton quietly controlled the game with eight assists and six rebounds.

New York leaned on Jonquel Jones, who finished with 21 points, while Breanna Stewart scored 15. Sabrina Ionescu never found her shooting touch, finishing with only nine points on 3-for-10 shooting.

The Liberty opened the season looking like the league’s most complete team. Lately, they’ve struggled to generate consistent offense, and opponents have taken advantage. Questions are flowing as to why this team, with a championship roster, is playing the way they are. Losing to teams they just shouldn’t lose to. Playing lethargic basketball, and wondering when Satou Sabbaly will get back the form that made her a three-time All-Star.

Meanwhile, Golden State continues climbing the standings with disciplined defense and balanced scoring.

Final Thoughts

Washington produced an instant classic that will be replayed for years. A’ja Wilson reminded everyone why she remains the standard by which every superstar is measured. Olivia Miles continued one of the most polished rookie seasons the league has seen in recent memory, and Golden State’s second season adds another impressive chapter against one of the league’s preseason favorites.

Late June often marks the point when contenders separate themselves from the rest of the field, and Sunday offered another reminder that the race for the 2026 championship remains wide open.