With the game hanging in the balance and 2.1 seconds left on the clock, Shakira Austin did what franchise players do—she delivered. After missing a pair of free throws earlier in the game, she stepped back to the line and calmly sank the game-winning shots, lifting the Washington Mystics to an impressive 81–79 win over the Chicago Sky.
It was a moment of redemption for Austin, but more importantly, a glimpse into the mental toughness this Mystics team is beginning to embody.
“Definitely couldn’t hit my free throws today. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m just glad I was able to finish it,” Austin said in postgame. “Shout out to Lucy [Olson]. You know, beginning of the game, when I was missing a couple, she was just on me, like, you’re going to keep making them–keep shooting them. Keep having confidence. Don’t let your head drop. And I think that’s maybe why I finished the game. So shout out to her.”
When asked how it felt to get another shot at closing the game, Shakira Austin didn’t hold back: “I was going to be very upset with myself if we didn’t finish that win out. So I’m just happy we finished it and closed the game.”
Austin finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks—continuing a run of elite-level impact on both ends of the floor.
But she wasn’t alone. Rookie Kiki Iriafen posted her sixth double-double of the season (11 points, 10 rebounds), tying the franchise record set by Chamique Holdsclaw for most double-doubles by a rookie. She also became the first Mystics rookie in 26 years to notch 50+ offensive rebounds before her 20th game, a stat that speaks to her relentless motor and feel for the game.
Sonia Citron added 13 points and 8 rebounds, extending her streak to eight straight games with a made three-pointer—the longest by any rookie this season. She also played turnover-free basketball for the second game in a row.
After the game, head coach Sydney Johnson highlighted the team’s composure and growth under pressure.
“In the huddle, I’m looking at a younger group that is finding their way towards winning and executing in those last four minutes,” Johnson said. “I just felt like I was talking to them in a way where they’re starting to already know what I’m going to say, what the points of emphasis are, how to close this game out.”
“Defensive rebounding, not settling for what the defense gives us, but kind of find what we want. You know, huge, huge extra pass, by the way. You know, offensive rebound kicked it out to Suge. I mean, she’s [Shakira Austin] just been outstanding in terms of sharing the ball and, and Aaliyah [Edwards] getting a second chance opportunities and always confident.”
He continued: “I guess I’m mentioning that because I’m seeing players show themselves in those moments, and that means they’re starting to get more comfortable down the stretch, and it’s tremendous growth.”
It was that collective resilience, from veterans to rookies, that made the difference. The Mystics outscored the Sky 46–30 in the paint, dominated bench production 22–11, and converted 16 Chicago turnovers into 14 points. The win marks their fifth straight against the Sky and ninth in their last ten meetings.
For a team still finding their identity, performances like this are more than just wins, they’re proof that Washington’s young core is learning how to close.