Jade (+18) goes 3-from-4 from deep in 25 minutes

• Jade Melbourne's blistering start to the 2025 WNBA season continued against the Sun
• Washington Mystics are 2-0 with Melbourne going 9-from-14 in their first two games
• Melbourne is struggling from the free throw line, though, shooting just 3-of-8

Australian point guard Jade Melbourne is on fire to start the 2025 WNBA season — shooting 9-from-14 from the field in two games — knocking down three of four threes in the (2-0) Washington Mystics 90-85 win against the (0-1) Connecticut Sun on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Melbourne finished with 15 points in 25 minutes off the bench on 5-from-8 shooting. She's 5-from-8 from three in the first two games of the season.

The 22-year-old Australian Opals point guard was +18, had two rebounds, four assists and a block against the Sun the round out an outstanding performance off the bench.

Teammate Brittney Sykes' 27-point explosion helped the Mystics overturn an early deficit and extend their perfect start to the season.

Key Details

• Result: Washington Mystics 90 def. Connecticut Sun 85
• When: 18th May 2025
• Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, Connecticut
• Standings: Mystics (#1) | Sun (#6) Standings

By the Numbers

• Brittney Sykes (Mystics) starred with 27 points, two rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block in 35 minutes.
• Tina Charles (Sun) scored 23 points, and had 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks in 32 minutes.

What Happened

The Connecticut Sun started strong, taking a commanding 23-13 lead in the first quarter as the Mystics struggled to find their rhythm. Washington turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring the Sun 28-23 to cut the deficit to five points heading into halftime at 46-41.

The third quarter saw both teams battle to a 19-19 stalemate, with neither able to gain a decisive advantage. Washington then dominated the final period, outscoring Connecticut 30-20 to complete their comeback and secure the five-point victory.

Brittney Sykes was the catalyst for Washington's comeback, delivering an efficient performance with 8-from-13 shooting from the field and drawing consistent fouls, resulting in 11-from-13 from the free-throw line. Her aggressive play in the fourth quarter proved decisive as the Mystics pulled away.

Melbourne made a significant impact off the bench for Washington, contributing 15 points in 25 minutes including three three-pointers on four attempts. Her +18 plus/minus was the highest of any player in the game, highlighting her importance to the Mystics' victory.

The Mystics shot an outstanding 51.6 per cent from the field (32-from-62) compared to the Sun's 43.9 per cent (29-from-66). Washington's superior outside shooting also proved crucial, connecting on five three-pointers at 33.3 per cent efficiency while limiting Connecticut to just 21.4 per cent from beyond the arc (3-from-14).

Kiki Iriafen added 17 points and 14 rebounds for Washington, dominating the glass with four offensive boards. For Connecticut, Olivia Nelson-Ododa contributed 18 points on efficient 5-from-8 shooting, while Bria Hartley provided 11 points off the bench.

With this victory, the Mystics improved to 2-0 on the season, continuing their perfect start and establishing themselves as early contenders in the WNBA. The Sun dropped to 0-1, but showed promise with Tina Charles' dominant interior presence and will look to bounce back in their next outing.