Austin, Iriafen Lead Mystics Past Dream 81-76
Washington's duo dominates in a crucial 81-76 victory over Atlanta to stay in the playoff hunt.
Washington's duo dominates in a crucial 81-76 victory over Atlanta to stay in the playoff hunt.
Rookie Kiki Iriafen complemented Austin’s aggression with efficient work on the glass, securing a crucial double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. This performance marked Iriafen’s eighth double-double of the season, highlighting her growing consistency and vital role in Washington's frontcourt rotation. The game remained a tight contest deep into the fourth quarter, but the Mystics executed just enough down the stretch to secure the five-point margin.
Washington’s ability to control the paint proved decisive, as they outmuscled the Dream when possession mattered most. This victory represents a critical pivot point for the Mystics, who desperately needed this win to maintain traction in a crowded playoff race. The balanced scoring attack alleviated pressure on the perimeter, allowing Washington to dictate the tempo rather than chasing it.
With this win in the books, the Mystics turn their attention to the remaining schedule, where every game carries significant playoff weight. They will need continued production from their star duo to secure a spot in the postseason field. The win also exposed Atlanta’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition and around the rim.
The Dream allowed Washington to convert 18 fast-break points, a figure that underscored their struggles to contain Washington’s athleticism. 3 in the loss, a mark that will raise questions about their readiness for deeper playoff runs. For Washington, the victory underscores the importance of frontcourt depth in a league where physicality often dictates outcomes.
Austin and Iriafen’s tandem accounted for 35 points and 19 rebounds, a combined effort that neutralized Atlanta’s size advantage. The Mystics now sit just one game behind the Chicago Sky for the final playoff spot in the East, a position that suddenly feels winnable with momentum on their side. This victory is essential for Washington's postseason trajectory.
With the playoff race tightening, dropping this game against a conference rival would have been a devastating blow. Austin’s scoring prowess combined with Iriafen’s rebounding dominance creates a formidable inside-out threat. Securing this win proves the Mystics can execute in clutch moments, providing the momentum boost required to navigate the grueling final stretch of the season.
The Mystics’ win also reshapes the East’s playoff landscape, where the top seeds are now separated by slim margins. Chicago’s recent stumble against Connecticut—where they lost by 12—gives Washington breathing room, but the Sky remain within striking distance. Atlanta’s loss further complicates their own playoff push, leaving them tied with the Liberty for the fourth seed but with a weaker tiebreaker.
The win over Atlanta now looks like a swing game that could ripple through the standings, potentially pushing the Fever or Liberty into the mix for the final two spots. Washington’s frontcourt duo has quietly become the engine of this team’s late-season surge. Austin’s ability to draw fouls and finish through contact has been a revelation, while Iriafen’s motor on the boards has freed up perimeter players to focus on spacing and shooting.
The Mystics’ coaching staff has leaned into this matchup advantage, using it to mask their own defensive lapses and turn the game into a grind-it-out battle—one where their athleticism and depth prevail. What's next: The Mystics face the Indiana Fever on the road next, a game that could further solidify their playoff positioning. A win there would tighten the race even further, while a loss risks handing the Fever a lifeline in the standings. Read at ESPN
This victory is essential for Washington's postseason trajectory. With the playoff race tightening, dropping this game against a conference rival would have been a devastating blow. Austin’s scoring prowess combined with Iriafen’s rebounding dominance creates a formidable inside-out threat. Securing this win proves the Mystics can execute in clutch moments, providing the momentum boost required to navigate the grueling final stretch of the season. The win also shifts the playoff picture in the East, where the Mystics now sit just one game behind the Chicago Sky for the final spot, a position that suddenly feels winnable with momentum on their side. The Mystics’ frontcourt has emerged as the league’s most disruptive duo in the final stretch, forcing opponents to adjust schemes and proving that depth wins championships.
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