Washington Mystics Extend Franchise-Record Winning Streak to Seven with Dominant Win Over Phoenix Mercury
The Washington Mystics continued their impressive surge on Sunday, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 95-75 at CareFirst Arena. The victory extended their winning streak to seven games, setting a new franchise record, and improved their record to 19-12. The game was tightly contested in the first quarter, with Washington leading by as many as seven points before a late Mercury run trimmed the lead to just one entering the second quarter. However, the Mystics took control from that point onward, outscoring the Mercury decisively in the second half to secure the comfortable win.
Shakira Austin was a force on both ends of the court, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. Sonia Citron also contributed 19 points, providing a potent scoring punch alongside Austin. The duo’s performance was pivotal in breaking open a game that was tight early. Austin’s continued dominance in the paint has been a key factor in the Mystics’ recent success, and her ability to score efficiently while crashing the boards has made her a matchup nightmare for opponents.
The Mercury, despite the loss, saw a standout performance from rookie forward Kiki Iriafen, who led all scorers with 18 points and 13 rebounds. This marked her 16th double-double of the season, the most ever by a Mystic in a single year, highlighting her remarkable consistency and impact. However, Iriafen’s efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Mystics, who shot efficiently and played stifling defense in the second half.
With this win, the Mystics have now won seven straight games, a franchise record, and are building momentum as the season progresses. Their ability to close out games and dominate in key stretches has been a hallmark of their recent run. As they continue to climb the standings, the Mystics are proving to be a formidable contender, with Austin and Citron leading the charge. The team will look to extend their streak further in their next matchup, carrying the confidence and chemistry that have defined their recent success.
Shimanta Das 
