Mystics Defy The Odds Defeating The Dream 81-76 (7-2-26)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Riley Smith-LMS Network
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Mystics came into Thursday’s contest against the No. 1-seeded Eastern Conference Atlanta Dream looking to build off an exciting and exhausting quadruple-overtime victory against the Portland Fire on Sunday afternoon.
That they did, Shakira Austin led a fierce second-half comeback by the Mystics (10-9) to hand Atlanta (12-8) its fourth straight loss in an 81-76 victory.
Austin scored 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and blocking three shots.
Washington was without star guard Sonia Citron, who missed tonight’s contest with a knee injury after playing a career-high 52 minutes in the historic 4OT victory Sunday.
Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 24 points. Angel Reese secured her league-leading 13th double-double of the season (13 points & 13 rebounds). Alisha Gray scored 17 points, and veteran Jordin Canada added 10 points.
Atlanta controlled the first half, causing Washington’s offense to stagnate, forcing them to overpass, and leading to a careless 18 total turnovers. Washington was held to only nine points in the second half.
D.C fell behind 41-32 at halftime. However, in the third quarter, Washington responded well, cutting down the turnovers, making five three-pointers, and guard Alicia Florez changed the momentum for Washington, pushing the tempo and catching the defense off guard.
In the fourth quarter, the Mystics and Dream traded leads with the score tied at 74 with two minutes remaining. Kiki Iriafen scored back-to-back layups, giving Washington the lead with 1:20 left.
Georgia Amoore closed out the game, knocking down three free throws in the final 11 seconds to seal the victory for Washington.
Kiki Iriafen, who had a slow first half, was a key contributor in the second—ultimately finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds, her eighth double-double of the season.
Amoore finished with 11 points, and Florez chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists off the bench.
Washington nearly had as many made field goals (31) as total turnovers (27) on the night.
The Mystics struggled at the free-throw line, finishing 10-of-19.
Up Next:
Washington welcomes the Golden State Valkyries Monday night.
