The Washington Mystics picked up a gritty win against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night, but the celebration came with a cost. Eight minutes into the game, rookie Washington Mystics guard was forced to leave the court after taking a stiff elbow to the face from the Aces’ point guard.
The hit left her bloodied and chipped part of her tooth, becoming the night’s most talked-about moment. While the Mystics went on to grab a 94–83 win, the shocking injury left many concerned about the player’s health.
Jade Melbourne Loses Part Of Her Tooth During Washington Mystics Win Against Aces
The first-quarter score was 4–2 at the time when everything looked normal. It all started when Chelsea Gray was moving the ball after a brief pause, when Jade Melbourne entered the game to challenge her. It was then that Gray’s elbow struck her directly in the mouth
Melbourne collapsed instantly. Blood poured from her face as trainers rushed to help. The hit, which came immediately after Melbourne’s layup had given the Mystics their first points, was confirmed by replay. Her night ended early, and the team quickly confirmed that she would not be coming back.
The hit’s aftermath caused some concern outside of the game. Georgia Amoore, a point guard for the Mystics, later posted a photo of Melbourne grinning while having a noticeable chipped tooth. The caption read- “bitta hard yakka,” an Australian slang meaning “a bit of hard work.”
Jade Melbourne still smiling on Georgia Amoore’s IG. pic.twitter.com/nxvOccYF3X
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) June 27, 2025
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Despite scoring only two points, Melbourne’s fearless play helped set the tone. Her commitment, even in limited minutes, showcased the grit that defines this Mystics team. And her upbeat post-game appearance lifted morale.
Short-Handed Washington Mystics Rally to Finish Strong
Due to a leg injury, the Mystics were already without their top scorer, Brittney Sykes. Losing Melbourne early added to the challenge. Still, Washington powered through behind a balanced team effort.
Sonia Citron, a rookie, topped the scoring with 21 points, followed by Sug Sutton with 17. Lucy Olsen became a substitute and played 14 of the crucial 38 minutes. Shakira Austin added a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double. Washington also shot an impressive 10-for-19 from deep, sealing their third straight win.
Chelsea Gray, who scored 13 points for the Aces, later acknowledged that the team didn’t play well. “Terrible, start to finish, we lost every quarter but that fourth quarter,” she said. Coach Becky Hammon kept it brief, “Not good.”
Though the game had big moments on both ends, Jade Melbourne’s sacrifice told the true story of the Mystics’ determination.