Mystics Continue To Reach Milestones, Bounce Back With Thrilling 80-70 Win Over Sparks

Mystics’ guard Cotie McMahon launches herself up to bank in a shot in the team’s 80-70 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at CareFirst Arena on Saturday Aug. 15. (Jonae Guest/WinSports)

To kickoff the second half of the WNBA season, the Washington Mystics went on a seven-game winning streak, their longest since the 2018 season. The win streak was fueled by center Shakira Austin, who recorded 15 points or more in all seven games, including five double-doubles.

The thrilling streak came to an end on the road against the Las Vegas Aces, a team the Mystics had a comeback 100-99 victory against right before the All-Star break on July 22. Despite the loss, the youngest team in the league quickly showed their ability to bounce back, reaching yet another milestone this season.

On Saturday Aug. 15 at CareFirst Arena, the Mystics returned to the win column with an 80-70 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, reaching their first 20 win-season since 2022. Washington entered the fourth quarter trailing 58-55, but rallied to secure their WNBA-leading eighth fourth-quarter comeback of the season.

Washington delivered a dominant performance in the paint of 60 points, marking the second most in franchise history and held a 43-27 edge on the glass.

Guard Sonia Citron led the Mystics with 21 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Forward Kiki Iriafen followed with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.

Austin made her presence felt, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds recording her 15th double-double of the season, while reaching a career milestone of 1,000 rebounds. Her dominant performance also helped extend her franchise-streak of recording 15 points and five rebounds to 14 consecutive games.

Coming off the bench, center Lauren Betts finished the night with eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while guard Cotie McMahon posted a career-high of nine points in the team's win.

The Washington Mystics return home to CareFirst Arena to take on the Toronto Tempo for their Ready For School Game presented by McDonalds. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm with fans able to stream the matchup on Monumental Sports Network.