Washington Mystics: Exciting Dark Horse Contender?

Coming off a hard-fought loss to the Las Vegas Aces 86-76, the Washington Mystics are 19- 13, still one of the hottest teams in the WNBA. Washington was just on a seven-game win streak, the most in franchise history. Players like Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen are catalysts for the inspiring basketball we’ve been witnessing. All three players average over 15 points this season, according to the WNBA, combined with top-tier rim protection by Austin and friends. This team could be balanced enough to make some postseason noise.

Prior to the loss, the Mystics were 7-0, scoring 90+ points in five of their seven games. Matching that offense with some intense defensive output and a standout 12-block game against the Atlanta Dream, setting a franchise record. But the most encouraging aspect about the team is that it shows various ways to win on a night-to-night basis. The Aces know this as well because they fell to the Mystics in a thriller, 100-99, a one-point loss, as the Aces were 18-7 at that point in the season. To spike the four-time MVP A’ja Wilson’s 38 points and Jackie Young’s 24 points, Austin’s 25 points and a three-point play off an offensive rebound eventually sealed the win for Washington.

Two days before that, on July 20th, the Golden State Valkyries really jump-started the Mystics’ streak, losing 90-82, and in the process of ending the nine-game winning streak the Valkyries were on coming into that matchup. With Iriafen leading the Mystics down the stretch in that game, controlling the boards and scoring, putting up a 23-point double-double, the team went on a 17-2 run to end the game. Coming from behind with 3: 32 left in regulation, without that in-game run, Washington couldn’t start the winning streak that night.

Teams that establish themselves as one of the best in any sport win in a variety of ways. Washington proved it can also win a gritty, close game when it counts the most. Narrowly coming away with a 79-74 win against the Dream on August seventh, withstanding a 26-point night from Alisha Gray and a 16-rebound effort from Angel Reese, the Mystics’ defense showed up time and time again in that game.

Recording 12 blocks, a franchise record, holding the Dream to the worst shooting performance of the year with 32.5% (25 of 77), according to CBS Sports. Reese only scored seven points, going 1-12; doing that to a team that’s 19-12 had to build confidence in the defense moving forward.

Washington’s winning streak came to an end with a bang, blowing out the Phoenix Mercury by 20 points on August ninth, with Sonia Citron, shooting guard, barely missing. Citron went seven for nine from the field and five for six from three. A comfortable win at home and the Mystics sitting right in the middle of the playoff mix, 6th in the league. The WNBA has been put on notice going into the final portion of the season.

Washington Mystics Shakira Austin Explosives This Season

Austin, the Washington Mystics star forward, has certainly been on a tear post-All-Star break. Kira recently received Eastern Conference Player Of The Week. Averaging 22.3 points per game, 11.7 rebounds per game, and 2.3 blocks per game over a three-game span from August third through August ninth. Her prowess to score and get boards is a weapon for a team like the Mystics, who don’t have that many two-way players on the roster. Claiming three straight double-doubles in the win streak this past week, Kira is raising the floor of this team, which is playing with a lot of confidence right now.

But Austin’s most notable game on the win streak had to be against the Atlanta Dream, where she went for 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks. Following that up with 21 and 11 against Phoenix, it’s been a late-season surge by Kira, helping her team be in contention the last month of the season. For a season with ups and downs, Kira averages 16.2 points and 9.6 rebounds this season, both career numbers according to the Mystics.

How Far Can The Washington Mystics Go In The Playoffs?

In reality, even though Washington split the season series, people believe the favorites to win it all right now are the Minnesota Lynx and the Aces. Mystics are 1-1 against both teams, with a game against the Aces still pending for August 13th and Minnesota on August 21st. Facing either of those teams would be a daunting task, especially due to the lack of playoff experience on the squad. Michael Onyenwere (who has played in four playoff games) and Shakira Austin (who has played in two), according to SB Nation. Both the Aces and Lynx have won a championship in the last five seasons, with experienced players and elite talent.

As it stands, being the six seed, Washington would have to play the three seed. Right now, that’s the Valkyries, a matchup the Mystics have been building confidence with as of late. But if the team could continue its hot play and move higher in the standings to get a favorable first-round matchup, it wouldn’t be so bad. Especially if you could guarantee home court with that fourth seed at least for the first round. Something that’s not out of the realm of possibility, Mystics are currently two games out of that fourth seed and three games out of the third seed.

End Of My Washington Mystics Rant

This would be Washington’s first playoff appearance since 2023, after missing the 2024 and 2025 postseason. But the most notable season by far is 2019, when Washington entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Beat the Las Vegas Aces 3–1 in the semifinals, then defeated the Connecticut Sun 3–2 in the Finals. Elena Delle Donne, Emma Meesseman, Kristi Toliver, Natasha Cloud, and Ariel Atkins were on the team, and Meesseman was named Finals MVP, according to the Mystics. This core group of ladies may be different, but you have to be adaptable to win a championship at this level, and this group definitely showed signs of that in the teeth of the season.

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