Mystics Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2023 With Win Over Portland Fire

Mystics' players celebrating from the bench in the team's 93-82 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Aug. 19 at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/WinSports)

The Washington Mystics clinched their playoff berth on Sunday with a 105-100 win over the Portland Fire at Moda Center. This marks the team's first postseason appearance since 2023. The playoff berth was also secured after the Chicago Sky fell to 113-90 to the Indiana Fever earlier that day.

The Mystics last won a postseason series in 2019, when they also captured their first WNBA championship.

Washington made history in the win, setting a franchise record with 40 points in a single quarter while also recording its highest-scoring regulation game of the season.

Shakira Austin led the way with a career-high of 31 points and 10 rebounds. Kiki Iriafen added 18 points and 10 rebounds for another double-double, while Sonia Citron finished with 14 points.

Citron also made WNBA history, reaching 85 points in the clutch this season. This marked the most clutch points recorded by a player in a single season in league history.

The game came down to the final minutes, with the Mystics and Fire trading baskets throughout the fourth quarter. Washington held a 92-85 lead after guard Georgia Amoore knocked down a three-pointer with 3:41 remaining.

Portland quickly closed the gap with back-to-back three-pointers from guard Carla Leite, cutting the deficit to three and making it a 103-100 game.

Thrilling momentum continued to build between both teams until the final seconds. The Fire ended up commiting the foul coming out of a timeout in the fourth, sending Amoore to the free-throw line. Amoore calmly converted both attempts to extend Washington’s lead to 105-100.

Portland had one final chance to take the lead, but the Fire missed their last shot as the clock ran out, sealing the Mystics’ playoff-clinching victory.

The Washington Mystics are will now turn their attention to the Phoenix Mercury, their second opponent on their six-game road slate. The game is set for Tuesday Aug. 25 with a 10pm tip-off.