Washington Mystics Suffer Record-Setting Defeat as New York Liberty Dominate
On Thursday night at CareFirst Arena, the Washington Mystics faced a historic setback, falling 86-78 to the New York Liberty. This defeat marked the Mystics’ eighth consecutive loss to open the season, setting a new franchise record for the worst start. Meanwhile, the Liberty’s star guard Sabrina Ionescu etched her name into WNBA history by becoming the fastest player to reach 400 career three-pointers, achieving this milestone in just 151 games.
Dominance in the Second Quarter and a Strong Start
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter, where New York seized control and maintained their lead despite Washington’s late rally in the final period. The Liberty’s commanding second-quarter performance included a 20-4 run, fueled by hot streaks from Leonie Fiebich and Rebekah Gardner, which turned a close contest into a decisive advantage. The Mystics’ initial burst was led by rookie duo Sonia Citron, who scored 13 points with five rebounds and three assists, and Kiki Iriafen, who contributed a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds. Their combined effort helped Washington establish a 22-17 lead early on, but the Liberty’s relentless second-quarter surge left the Mystics chasing shadows for the remainder of the game.
Injury Challenges and Lineup Adjustments
The Liberty faced adversity when Jonquel Jones sustained an ankle injury at the 2:15 mark of the first quarter, forcing New York to adapt with unconventional lineups. Jones did not return to the game, prompting the team to rely on depth and strategic rotations. Despite the setback, the Liberty’s offensive firepower remained formidable, with Stewart tallying 26 points and 11 rebounds, Ionescu adding 13 points and seven assists, and Kennedy Burke shining with a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc for 12 points.
Washington’s Struggles and Player Development
The Mystics struggled offensively, shooting just 26.3% from three-point range, which hampered their ability to close the gap. Head coach Sydney Johnson continues to experiment with his rotation, especially in the frontcourt, where the return of Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards has created a crowded roster. While Austin contributed nine points and 11 rebounds in nearly 23 minutes, and Edwards played around 13 minutes, both players are not on strict minutes restrictions. Johnson emphasized a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over immediate heavy playing time, given their injury histories.
“Our focus is on sustainable development,” Johnson explained. “Overloading players with too many minutes early on could backfire, especially since they’re still adjusting to a full season. Expect to see more of them as they settle in, but we’re being careful.”
Austin expressed confidence in her physical condition, noting her efforts to find rhythm on both ends of the court and maintain an aggressive mindset. She acknowledged that integrating into the team’s offensive schemes and adapting to different lineups is an ongoing process. When asked about the coaching plan, she succinctly responded, “If that’s what he says, then that’s the plan. It’s about what the coach believes is best for the team.”
Player Development and Future Outlook
Johnson highlighted the importance of gradual development for Edwards, who played nearly 13 minutes against the Liberty after averaging 16.8 minutes over her previous four games. “Aaliyah and Kira will get their opportunities,” he said. “Our goal is to develop them without overextending, especially after missing significant training camp time. It’s about balancing growth with health.”
Historic Milestone for Sabrina Ionescu
Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu’s remarkable shooting prowess was on full display as she surpassed Crystal Bradford to become the Liberty’s all-time leader in three-pointers, reaching her 401st career three-pointer. Her impressive feat was achieved in just 151 games, a testament to her sharpshooting consistency. Post-game, Ionescu received the game ball, a symbol of her historic achievement.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet,” Ionescu admitted. “Maybe after the season, I’ll realize how special this milestone is. It’s definitely a proud moment.”
Looking Ahead
As the Mystics continue to navigate a challenging start, their focus remains on growth, health, and strategic development. The Liberty, bolstered by their offensive firepower and resilience in the face of injuries, look poised to build on their early success. Both teams are eager to refine their lineups and push toward more consistent performances as the season progresses.
