There hasn’t been a lot to celebrate for the Washington Mystics this season, but two rookies have been selected for the WNBA All-Star Game.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen will lead the way for the Mystics when they host the Chicago Sky in Tuesday’s matinee in Fairfax, Va.
“I want to celebrate just how wonderful Kiki and Sonia are as people,” Mystics coach Sydney Johnson said. “…They compete and they’re really smart, and that combination. They certainly make us a better team.”
The two Wizards are among only three rookies from the spring’s draft class to be picked as All-Stars, along with No. 1 selection Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.
Citron is averaging 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Iriafen is providing 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. They are the only players to start in all 18 Washington games.
“Our teammates, our coaches have really poured into them,” Johnson said.
The Mystics (8-10) have lost two in a row since three consecutive victories pulled them to .500. They’ve been off since Thursday’s 92-75 road setback against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx.
The Sky (5-12) fell 80-75 at Minnesota on Sunday despite Angel Reese supplying 16 points and 17 rebounds and Rachel Banham pouring in 20 points. Chicago attempted only eight free throws in the game.
“The reason for that, I’m not sure,” Sky coach Tyler Marsh said. “I know (we) received a lot of contact down there. … For us to not get to the line more than that is a little frustrating.”
Reese used expletives in Sunday’s postgame comments while discussing her anger regarding the topic of physical play in the post.
“It’s frustrating because I know how hard we are battling inside,” Reese said.
Chicago has more wins on the road (three) than at home (two) this season.
Washington defeated the Sky 79-72 on June 17 in Chicago, overcoming Kamilla Cardoso’s double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Brittney Sykes led the Wizards with 32 points.
–Field Level Media
