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Award Winning Guard Sends Message on Making WNBA History originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Washington Mystics had a strong 2-0 start to the 2025 WNBA season. However, they’ve had difficulties lately and now have a 3-5 record. On Thursday, they’re set to face the defending champions, the New York Liberty, to avenge their 85-63 defeat last Friday.
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The Liberty has been a tough team to play against this season as they remain undefeated with a 7-0 record. However, the Mystics are determined to snatch their fourth win of the year.
Washington is led by guard Brittney Sykes, who has shown massive improvement in her third year with the franchise. For the first time in her career, Sykes is averaging at least 20 points per game.
Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes controls the ball while Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson defends.Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images
Sykes is averaging 21.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists through seven games. In their first bout against the Liberty, the four-time All-Defensive player made history. She became the 42nd-fastest player to reach 3,000 career points.
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When it was brought up to her, Sykes said that she’s grateful for the opportunity the franchise has given her to be the primary option.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to reach that type of milestone, and I’m grateful I got to reach it here in D.C.,” Sykes said via FieldLevelMedia. “They’ve really provided a space for me to just do what I do best, just getting downhill and creating for my teammates, and just being able to trust me to go and score the basketball and be a primary option.”
This season, Sykes has had five games where she scored at least 20 points. In her third game, she had 30 points, five rebounds and three assists.
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Sykes could earn the Most Improved Player award if she keeps up her elite level of play.
Aside from her All-Defensive nods, Sykes was also a two-time steals champion. In 2017, she was part of the All-Rookie team together with Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, Kaela Davis and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Related: WNBA History Made During Mystics-Fever Game on Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
