The Washington Mystics set a franchise record with their 27th win as Shakira Austin led a 79-69 victory over the Connecticut Sun.
The Washington Mystics captured a franchise-record 27th win over the Connecticut Sun.
Washington defeated Connecticut 79-69 on Sept. 22 as the team continues to prepare for the postseason. Center Shakira Austin led the team with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and made a career-high 11 free throws.
Guards Sonia Citron (12) and Cotie McMahon (13) finished the game scoring in double figures. Sun guard Diamond Miller led the team in scoring with 19 points, but Connecticut collectively struggled to generate points.
Washington's win on Sept. 22 set a franchise record with 27 wins, one more than the 2019 championship team.
Washington's Young Core Has Delivered
Washington clinched its playoff berth on Aug. 24 under first-year head coach Sydney Johnson, marking the first time the franchise has made a playoff appearance since 2023.
The Mystics were one of the first expansion teams after the inaugural season of the WNBA in 1997. Since the team's inaugural season in 1998, the franchise has made the postseason 15 times.
While the franchise exceeded its goals for the 2026 season, it is in a position to make some noise in the postseason. While some are counting out the team, basketball legend Cheryl Miller commends the team's resiliency.
Johnson was hired as head coach of the Mystics in December 2024 and brought new energy and a new style of play to the franchise. Before he became head coach, Eric Thibault coached the team for two seasons.
Mystics' Future Is Bright
The Mystics can dominate in the post, in transition, and can lock in on defense. While most teams rely on three players or a duo, this young team receives contributions from the starters and the bench.
This season, Austin, Citron, and forwards Michaela Onyenwere and Kiki Iriafen have contributed at a high level and formed the team's core nucleus. The team also added guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to give them a veteran presence.
McMahon has been the team's enforcer and energizer when it needs a boost or comes out flat. She fits in with the starters at times and can lead the bench if needed.
While the Mystics are trying to figure out their long-term plan at point guard, guard Georgia Amoore has been holding down the fort, with contributions from Citron and others.
Austin (17.2), Citron (16.7), and Iriafen (15.3) are the top three scorers on the team, but they receive contributions from the entire roster.
Currently, Washington is sixth in the league standings at 27-16. If the playoffs started today, it would face the Las Vegas Aces in a three-game series.
