Mystics Cruise Past Sky, Washington Turns Attention To Indiana

Skylar Nelson

Sep 18

2 min read

Updated: Sep 20

The Washington Mystics open their post-FIBA-break schedule in dominant fashion Thursday night, cruising past the Chicago Sky 110-80 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Washington remained in control of the game from start to finish. The Mystics defense provided unstoppable pressure that forced the Sky into 16 turnovers. Washington was able to convert those mistakes into 22 points. The Mystics managed to shoot 55% from the field and led by as many as 30 points.

The Mystics also received a balanced offensive effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Center Shakira Austin led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Austin's first basket of the game, broke the Mystics’ franchise record for most points scored in a single season. She surpassed teammate Sonia Citron, who scored 657 points in 2025, to set the new mark.

Forward Kiki Iriafen added a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds to Washington's dominant effort. Guard Cotie McMahon made her first start in the place of Sonia Citron, who was sidelined for this game. McMahon chipped in 11 points shooting 5-of-7 from the field, along with four rebounds and four assists. Washington's bench also provided a spark of 37 points to help complete the dominant victory.

The Mystics will remain on the road as they turn their attention to the Indiana Fever on Sunday in the closing stretch of the season. It will be Washington's third meeting with Indiana this year and their final matchup of the regular season.

Sunday's matchup puts playoff positioning at stake for Washington. Following Thursday's victory, the Mystics remain tied with the Dallas Wings for the sixth place in the WNBA's standings. This makes Sunday's matchup another important opportunity for the Mystics' playoff placement as the regular season winds down.

Tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Sept. 20, is set for 4 p.m. ET. The game will air on Monumental Sports Network.