Liberty Remains Undefeated In 86-78 Victory Over Mystics (6-5-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: WNBA 

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Washington Mystics dropped its second meeting against the New York Liberty 86-78 and the first game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, at the CareFirst Arena on Thursday evening. The Mystics have dropped three straight since their victory against the Fever on May 28 in Baltimore. 

Breanna Stewart had a strong offensive showing, leading the Liberty (8-0) with a 26-point and 11-rebound double-double performance. Her co-star Sabrina Ionescu had a rough shooting night, finishing with 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting from the field. She added seven assists, two steals, and two blocks. 

Ionescu became the all-time 3-point leader for the New York Liberty and the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 401 made threes (151 games). 

After the first quarter, Washington (3-6) led 22-17. Kiki Iriafen came out the gate hot scoring a team-high 11 points in the quarter. Sonia Citron added seven points in the quarter.

The Liberty’s offense woke up and helped them gain a double-digit lead in the second, using a 25-7 scoring run in the final six-and-a-half minutes of the second. Breanna Stewart scored nine points in the quarter, creating nice scoring opportunities from the paint.  

In the third quarter, Washington and New York traded buckets as the Liberty only outscored the Mystics by one point, 24-23. However, the Liberty sustained its double-figure lead, making four three-pointers.

Entering the final quarter, the Mystics made a last push and cut the New York lead down to as few as four points with 58 seconds left, after Shakira Austin made a layup. On the following possession, Stewart was able to draw a foul on Austin when driving to the hole on the left baseline and hit both free throws to give New York an 83-77 lead with 35 seconds remaining. Washington tried to cut it to a one-possession game but was unable to score a basket. 

The New Yorkers received great production out of their bench from Rebekah Gardner (nine points), Isabelle Harrison (seven), and Kennedy Burke (12 points, 4-for-4 from three). 

Washington’s leading scorer was Irafen, who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Jade Melbourne added 15 off the bench, and Citron finished with 12 points.

Injuries

Forward Jonquel Jones left the contest early in the first quarter after injuring her ankle on a layup attempt after landing awkwardly. Head coach Sandy Brondello later said after the game that Jones tried to reenter the game but ultimately was unable to return. 

Up Next:

The Mystics host the Connecticut Sun on Sunday at 3 p.m.