In yet another tightly contested battle between the Washington Mystics and the Golden State Valkyries, the Mystics came up just short, falling 88-83 at home in what marked the third single-digit game between the two teams this season.
Washington had five players in double figures and dominated several statistical categories, including points in the paint and bench production, but couldn’t overcome late-game execution from the Valkyries in crunch time.
Fourth Quarter Surge from Sonia Citron
Sonia Citron was the spark plug for the Mystics late in the game, scoring 13 of her team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, her most productive period of the season. Citron also contributed three rebounds and three assists, while extending her steal streak to 11 games, tied for the second-longest active streak in the league and third-longest by a Mystics rookie.
Rookie Consistency from Kiki Iriafen
Kiki Iriafen continued her standout rookie campaign with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double—her 10th such performance this season. The effort places her in elite company, tying A’ja Wilson for 14th all-time in rookie double-doubles of this kind. She also became just the fifth Mystics rookie to eclipse 400 points in a season.
Despite the #Mystics loss to the #Valkyries, Coach Sydney Johnson is satisfied with how the offense progressed and got more efficient as the game went on.
— Double Take Sports (@dbltakesports) August 14, 2025
“I was really pleased with how they went about their business today.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/xXBTbjukz8
Sug Sutton’s Playmaking Shines
Point guard Sug Sutton delivered 15 points and a season-high seven assists, showcasing both scoring and distribution. It marked her second game this season with 15+ points and 5+ assists, and her sixth game with at least five dimes.
Bench Boost from Engstler and Melbourne
The Mystics bench outscored Golden State’s reserves 24-11, led by Emily Engstler’s season-high 13 points and five rebounds. Engstler tied her career-high with three made threes and notched her 10th career game with 10+ points and 5+ boards. Jade Melbourne added 10 points, her sixth game this season in double figures.
By the Numbers
- Washington outscored Golden State 40-22 in the paint.
- The Mystics registered 21 assists, their third straight game with 20+.
- Despite outpacing the Valkyries in several key areas, the Mystics couldn’t close the gap in the final minutes, dropping to 0-3 against Golden State this season—all by five points or fewer.
Washington will look to bounce back in their next outing as they continue to fight for momentum in the final stretch of the season.