Kiki Iriafen buried the go-ahead layup with 27 seconds left, delivering 20 points and lifting the Washington Mystics to an 86-83 win over the New York Liberty on Thursday night at Barclays Center. The victory ended New York’s eight-game winning streak—the longest active run in the WNBA—and handed Washington a critical road win in a game decided by a single possession. The Liberty controlled the pace early, using a 12-0 run in the second quarter to build a 25-point lead at halftime.
Washington’s offense sputtered behind 3-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc, but the Mystics chipped away in the second half, outscoring New York 24-18 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to four entering the final frame. The fourth quarter saw a defensive stand from Washington, holding New York scoreless for the final 2:47 while forcing three missed shots, including Sabrina Ionescu’s game-tying three at the buzzer. New York clung to a 79-77 lead with under two minutes left, but Iriafen answered with a driving layup to put Washington ahead for good.
The Liberty had one last chance to tie, but Ionescu’s three-pointer rimmed out as time expired, sealing the upset. Iriafen finished with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, while Shakira Austin added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Brittney Sykes contributed 14 off the bench, giving Washington three players in double figures and a balanced attack that neutralized New York’s depth.
This wasn’t just a win for Washington—it was a statement. The Mystics entered the game with a middling 15-11 record, but their performance against the league’s top team showed they can grind out tight games when it matters most. The Liberty, meanwhile, had been riding a wave of dominance, but their reliance on Ionescu and Breanna Stewart to bail them out late proved costly.
Washington’s defense, particularly in the clutch, exposed New York’s tendency to collapse under pressure, a trend that could haunt them in future matchups. The win also highlighted the Mystics’ depth as a weapon. While Iriafen and Austin led the charge, bench players like Sykes provided crucial minutes and scoring punch.
That balance is rare against elite teams, and Washington’s ability to sustain it for 40 minutes suggests they’re more than just a flash in the pan. The Liberty, despite their star power, looked disjointed in the fourth quarter, a sign that their chemistry might not be as tight as their record implied. Mystics coach Eric Thibault praised Iriafen’s composure under pressure, noting her ability to rise in key moments.
“She’s been working on her finishing all season,” Thibault said. ” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello called the loss “frustrating” but acknowledged Washington’s defensive adjustments in the second half. “They made it difficult for us to get into our sets,” Brondello said.
” What’s next: The Liberty’s loss drops them to 21-6 on the season, while the Mystics improve to 16-11. New York remains atop the league standings but loses home-court advantage in the standings tiebreaker. Washington heads to Chicago next for a Saturday tilt against the Sky, looking to build on the momentum of their first road win against a top-tier opponent this season. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
New York’s eight-game streak was the league’s longest active run, and Washington’s victory proves they can compete with the WNBA’s best on the road. Iriafen’s clutch layup and 20-point performance underscore her growth as a go-to scorer, adding a new dimension to the Mystics’ attack. The win also shifts the playoff picture, tightening the race in the standings. The Liberty’s loss, while minor in the grand scheme, exposes vulnerabilities in their depth and execution, particularly in close games where their star power alone couldn’t secure the win. This result forces New York to confront their late-game fragility, a potential red flag heading into the postseason.
Frequently asked
How did the Mystics manage to beat the Liberty despite trailing by 25 at halftime?
Washington’s second-half surge was fueled by improved ball movement and physical defense. The Mystics outscored New York 24-18 in the third quarter and held the Liberty scoreless for the final 2:47 of the game, thanks to timely stops and Iriafen’s go-ahead layup.
What was the key play in the Mystics’ comeback?
Kiki Iriafen’s layup with 27 seconds left broke a 83-83 deadlock. The play stemmed from a switch in New York’s defense, leaving Iriafen matched against a smaller defender on the drive.
How does this loss affect the Liberty’s playoff positioning?
New York remains atop the league standings but loses home-court advantage in tiebreakers with Connecticut and Las Vegas. The streak-snapping loss also ends their momentum heading into the All-Star break.
What did Iriafen do differently in the second half?
Iriafen attacked the rim more aggressively, finishing 8-of-10 from the field after halftime. Her 12 points in the third quarter keyed Washington’s run, including the go-ahead layup that sealed the win.
Who led the Mystics in scoring besides Iriafen?
Shakira Austin contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Brittney Sykes added 14 points off the bench. The trio combined for 50 of Washington’s 86 points.
When is the Mystics’ next game?
Washington travels to Chicago to face the Sky on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The game follows their first road win against a top-five opponent this season.
