Shakira Austin Leads Mystics to Narrow Victory Over Top-Ranked Lynx
With a fierce expression and clenched fists, Shakira Austin demonstrated her intensity on the court. The 6-foot-5 center for the Washington Mystics showcased her versatility by driving from the perimeter, threading a precise pass to Kiki Iriafen for an easy layup. Moments later, she asserted her strength in the paint, overpowering opponents to set up Sonia Citron for a crucial three-pointer.
Consistent Excellence Continues for Austin
Following her recent accolade as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Austin maintained her impressive form during Tuesday’s game, securing a 68-64 victory against the WNBA’s top team, the Minnesota Lynx, at CareFirst Arena. Her contribution was pivotal, tallying a game-high 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds in just 28 minutes of play, helping the Mystics improve their record to 7-8.
Personal Drive and Team Growth
“This has been my goal since I entered the league-bringing energy and effort on both ends of the floor,” Austin shared. “I want to be a playmaker, learn from my mistakes, and now I’m getting the chance to do that, which makes the game incredibly rewarding.”
Challenges for the Lynx Without Their MVP Candidate
The Lynx, currently holding a 12-2 record, faced adversity as star forward Napheesa Collier (back injury) sat out. Collier, who finished second in MVP voting last season and averages a league-leading 24.4 points per game, was unable to participate, impacting Minnesota’s offensive firepower.
Climactic Finish and Defensive Resilience
The game’s outcome was decided in the final moments. Austin’s putback tied the score at 64 with just 32 seconds remaining. Then, Sug Sutton’s aggressive defense forced a turnover from Courtney Williams, leading to a transition score that put Washington ahead 66-64 with 27.2 seconds left. Minnesota’s subsequent shot missed the mark, and Citron sealed the victory with free throws in the closing seconds, prompting the crowd of approximately 4,200 to erupt in cheers, chanting “Let’s go, Mystics!” as fans exited the arena.
Defensive Intensity and Key Plays
Sutton explained her game-changing steal: “She fumbled the ball, and I went for it. That’s the result of our relentless defensive effort throughout the game. It’s about applying pressure and making plays when it counts.”
Injury Setbacks and Strategic Adjustments
The Mystics faced additional hurdles, notably missing their leading scorer, Brittney Sykes, who was a late scratch due to a lower right leg injury. Despite this, the team’s defense held strong, limiting the Lynx to just nine points in the final quarter.
Head coach Sydney Johnson reflected on the team’s development: “We’re still learning and adjusting. Early in the season, rebounding was a major issue, and turnovers were rampant. Now, we’re focusing on reducing mistakes, playing cohesively, and maintaining our effort. That’s what I can coach.”
Impressive Rookie Contributions
Rookie Kiki Iriafen delivered a standout performance, recording her fifth double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Notably, all other WNBA rookies combined have only achieved four such double-doubles this season, highlighting her exceptional impact.
Comeback and Momentum Shifts
The Lynx initially appeared poised for a blowout, jumping to a 20-6 lead early in the game. However, the Mystics responded with a remarkable 25-4 run, turning the tide and taking a 39-37 advantage into halftime. This resilience set the tone for a fiercely contested second half.
Standout Performances and Shooting Woes
Alanna Smith led Minnesota with a career-high 26 points, while Jessica Shepard, returning from international play in Slovenia, contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds. Despite their reputation as the league’s top three-point shooting team, the Lynx struggled from beyond the arc, missing 15 of 18 attempts, which proved costly.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
Regarding Sykes, Johnson noted she sustained a minor injury after stepping on a teammate’s foot during Sunday’s game but was expected to recover quickly. She was ultimately ruled out just before tip-off, with Jade Melbourne stepping into the starting lineup. Collier remained sidelined for her second consecutive game.
Connections and Former Staff
The game also featured familiar faces from the Mystics’ past. Eric Thibault, now Minnesota’s associate head coach, previously served as Washington’s head coach from 2013 to 2022. Additionally, Karlie Samuelson, a 2024 starter, came off the bench, and Sefu Bernard, the Lynx’s director of player development, was part of the Mystics’ coaching staff last season. Thibault’s tenure with Washington included a 33-47 record over two seasons.
Player Mindset and Competitive Spirit
“I tend to create rivalries in my mind,” Austin admitted. “Every team has some personal vendetta, and this game definitely had that extra edge. What I’m doing on the court means a lot to me, and I’m just glad we came out with the win.”
