The Washington Mystics climbed back to .500 and into the WNBA playoff race after a marathon four-overtime victory, prompting their coach to deliver a clear message about the team's growing confidence and expectations.

Washington defeated the Portland Fire 124-123 on June 28 in a four-overtime win. Sonia Citron led the team in scoring with 32 points. 

After the Mystics' win, Washington head coach Sydney Johnson spoke about the team's win, as they are now back in the playoff race in the eighth slot in league rankings.

"I thought our Mystics were outstanding just in terms of never quitting," said Johnson at the June 28 press conference.

"It was easy to get discouraged; they didn't. Michaela, especially Sonia, especially in the huddles between the overtime sessions, were very vocal in terms of just encouraging each other. So just always like we know this is a game and a half of development here, and you know, can put a lot in their memory bank and add to the experiences that they're having that's going to add to the court work and the film sessions," he added.

The Mystics, after Sunday's victory, are 9-9 on the season. The young team finished the game with three players scoring over 25 points that night. Citron led the team in scoring, capturing 32 points; Michaela Onyenwere followed suit, finishing the game with 30 points off 56 percent shooting from the field, and Kiki Iriafen concluded the contest with 27 points. 

Washington received contributions from the entire bench, as Alicia Florez led the charge off the bench with 8 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. The franchise entered this season with the expectation of developing its core. 

Onyenwere is the team's oldest player on the roster at 26 years old. Georgia Amoore (25) and Shakira Austin (25) are the oldest after Onyenwere. 

The Mystics have a young roster with options to develop for the future. During the 2026 WNBA draft, the organization drafted Lauren Betts (No.4), Angela Dugalić (No.9), Cotie McMahon (No.11), Cassandre Prosper (No.19), Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (No.30), and Rori Harmon (No.34). All of Washington's selections are on the active roster. 

Washington will continue to use this season to develop its younger talent with the current core around Onyenwere, Citron, Austin, and Iriafen. Needless to say, the team is sticking together despite the unpredictability of the current WNBA season.

The Mystics will suit up on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. EST against the Atlanta Dream at home. 

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