Charles, Hillmon play key roles as Atlanta Dream edge Washington to stay alive in WNBA playoff chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tina Charles had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Naz Hillmon made the go-ahead shot in overtime and the Atlanta Dream defeated the Washington Mystics 76-73 in overtime on Sunday to stay alive in the WNBA playoff chase.

Hillmon’s 22-footer as the shot clock expired gave Atlanta a 74-73 lead with 1:35 remaining in overtime and Rhyne Howard hit two free throws with 59 seconds left for the game’s final points.

Emily Engstler‘s 3-pointer gave the Mystics the early lead in overtime, 73-70 with 4 1/2 minutes remaining, but they did not score again. Their final two shots were desperation 3-point airballs.

The matchup was the first of three straight home games for the Mystics in the final week of the regular season but they face two playoff teams — New York on Tuesday and Indiana on Thursday — as they try to wrap up a playoff berth.

Atlanta will host Chicago on Tuesday and finish at New York on Thursday.

With Chicago’s loss to Phoenix later Sunday, there is now a three-way tie for the eight spot between Washington, Atlanta and the Sky.

All five Atlanta starters scored in double figures. In addition to Charles’ game-high 20 points, Howard and Jordin Canada scored 14 each, Allisha Gray had 12 and Hillmon 10.

Washington got just 35 points from its starting five, led by Ariel Atkins with 16 points. Off the bench, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough scored 13 and Sika Kone had 11.

A deep 3-pointer by Gray gave the Dream a 50-38 lead in the third quarter but they went the final 4 1/2 minutes of the period without a field goal. Washington tied it at 52 in the final minute, climbing into a tie for the first time since 6-6 in the first quarter. Atlanta led 54-53 heading to the fourth.

Engstler’s 3-pointer gave 23-foot three point gave Washington a 70-68 lead with 1:30 left in the fourth, then Hillmon’s 20-footer tied it 70 with 30 seconds left.

Washington had won 7 of 10 coming in to climb into the eighth playoff spot, tied with Chicago (13-24) which played Phoenix later in the day.

Atlanta had lost 8 of 10 but climbed into a tie with Washington, both teams with records of 13-25.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball