Surging into their first WNBA playoff berth in three seasons, the Washington Mystics will try to close out a historic regular season in style Thursday night.
Washington has won six of seven and 15 of 19 prior to a visit from the slumping Chicago Sky. At 27-16, the Mystics have set a franchise record for victories while cementing an 11-win improvement from 2025.
“We have a vision here in D.C., and I think everybody knew we had potential,” Washington guard Sonia Citron said. “Just to see the growth from last year to this year is incredible. And I think the sky’s the limit. I truly believe that there’s another level we can tap into.”
Washington is seeking a sweep of the three-game season series against Chicago (16-27).
Paced by 20 points from Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen’s 18-point, 11-rebound double-double, the Mystics routed the host Sky 110-80 on Sept. 17.
Courtney Vandersloot led Chicago with 14 points in what marked the fourth consecutive loss in an eventual five-game losing streak.
The Sky snapped the skid in their home finale Tuesday, defeating the Toronto Tempo 97-85 behind a balanced attack. Gabriela Jaquez and Sydney Taylor contributed 18 points apiece, while Kamilla Cardoso added 17.
Jaquez is averaging 14.0 points over her past three games on 18-for-28 shooting, which is nearly twice her season average of 7.1 points.
Chicago has navigated numerous injuries this season, creating opportunities for developmental players such as Morgan Maly, who had eight points and four rebounds Tuesday.
“I feel like there’s a collective energy of whoever is ready to go, they’re going to go and give it their all,” Maly said. “And so we try to step into that and carry that same mindset, even though you learn the plays in the span of three days and you’ve got to go play; it’s part of the business.”
Washington is coming off a 79-69 home victory against Connecticut on Tuesday. Austin had 25 points and 13 boards.
Coach Sydney Johnson called it “an ugly win” as the Mystics finished minus-9 on the glass.
Washington can clinch the No. 5 seed in the playoffs with a victory and an Indiana loss at Minnesota on Thursday.
–Field Level Media
–Field Level Media
