Jonquel Jones scores 20 as Liberty beat Mystics 86-64

Michaela Onyenwere scored 17 points for the third game in a row, but cold shooting sank the Washington Mystics in an 86-64 loss to the New York Liberty on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center.

The loss dropped Washington to 5-7 and gave the Liberty a 2-0 lead in the season series. New York improved to 10-4. Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 20 points, and Breanna Stewart grabbed 12 rebounds.

Mystics vs Liberty: what went wrong

The Mystics shot 33.8 percent from the field, 28.0 percent from 3-point range and just 9 of 16 from the free throw line. New York, by contrast, shot 49.1 percent and made 11 of 26 from deep at a 42.3 percent clip.

The Mystics actually defended well in the first half, holding the Liberty to 36 points, New York's third-lowest first-half total of the season. But the lead grew after the break as the Liberty poured in 50 second-half points and Washington's offense never found a rhythm.

Michaela Onyenwere extends her hot streak

Onyenwere again led Washington, matching her season high for the third time with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 2 of 2 from 3-point range, with four rebounds and a block. It was her third game this season with at least 15 points and the third straight game she has scored 17, the second time in her career she has put together a streak of at least three games at that level. By shooting 70 percent on 10 or more attempts, she reached that mark for the first time in her career.

Defense offers a few bright spots

Even in the lopsided result, the Mystics held the Liberty to five offensive rebounds, New York's second-lowest total of the season. Washington has now limited an opponent to five or fewer offensive boards five times this year, tied with Indiana for the most such games in the league. The Mystics have also held opponents under 40 points in the first half seven times in 2026.

Citron, Florez and the reserves

Sonia Citron added 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, her ninth game this season with double-figure scoring. Rookie Alicia Florez chipped in seven points and a game-high-tying six assists off the bench, her second game this season with at least five points and five assists. She became the first Mystics reserve to lead or share the team lead in assists since Julie Vanloo did so in 2024. Cotie McMahon led all reserves with eight points, three rebounds and a steal.

What's next for the Mystics

Washington stays on the road to face the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. The Mystics and Liberty meet again Friday in New York.