The Washington Mystics took care of business against the Toronto Tempo Wednesday night. Now comes a much tougher test.
Washington defeated Toronto 93-82 at CareFirst Arena, completing a 4-0 season sweep of the expansion Tempo and improving to 21-14 on the season. The victory was also the Mystics’ eighth consecutive win at home.
The Mystics created separation in the second quarter, opening the period on a 12-0 run as Toronto missed its first five shots. Washington outscored the Tempo 22-9 in the quarter and carried a 47-33 advantage into halftime.
Kiki Iriafen once again set the tone inside, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting for her 15th double-double of the season. Shakira Austin added 11 points and 10 rebounds for her 16th double-double as the Mystics controlled the glass 43-27.
That frontcourt production has become one of Washington’s most dependable advantages, and it could be particularly important as the Mystics turn their attention to Minnesota.
Michaela Onyenwere also provided an offensive boost Wednesday, scoring 14 points and connecting on four three-pointers. Sonia Citron added 13 points and six assists as Washington received contributions throughout the lineup.
While the Mystics ultimately won comfortably, Toronto entered the matchup short-handed. The Tempo were without their top three scorers — Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Nyara Sabally — on the second night of a back-to-back. Rookie Kiki Rice led Toronto with 19 points.
For more from Wednesday’s win, watch Laila Rogers’ postgame recap from CareFirst Arena.
Friday should provide a much different measuring stick.
The Minnesota Lynx come to Washington with a league-best 30-7 record after defeating the Golden State Valkyries 77-66 on Wednesday. The Mystics, however, already know they can compete with Minnesota.
Washington and Minnesota split two meetings in June, with both decided by five points or fewer. The Mystics earned an 84-79 road victory on June 21, closing the game on a 12-0 run after trailing by six with less than three minutes remaining.
Three days later at CareFirst Arena, Minnesota returned the favor. Washington built a 12-point second-half lead before the Lynx rallied for a 78-76 victory. Sonia Citron scored 28 points in the loss, while Iriafen and Austin both recorded double-doubles.
Those two games showed there has been little separating the teams head-to-head, even as Minnesota has established itself at the top of the league.
For Washington, Wednesday’s win kept its home momentum going and reinforced the interior production that has fueled much of its success this season. Friday will offer another opportunity to see how those strengths translate against one of the WNBA’s best teams, and how far the Mystics have come since their first two meetings with Minnesota earlier this summer.
The Mystics host the Lynx Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET at CareFirst Arena.