The Washington Mystics defeated the Seattle Storm 84-79 behind a strong performance from Shakira Austin and balanced scoring across the lineup.
Austin led Washington with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, shooting 10-for-18 from the field. Sonia Citron added 19 points, four rebounds and three steals, while Kiki Iriafen recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Lauren Betts gave the Mystics 11 points, three assists, two steals and one block off the bench. Georgia Amoore and Alicia Florez each contributed four assists.
Seattle was led by Natisha Hiedeman, who scored 31 points on 14-for-24 shooting while adding three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Dominique Malonga collected 15 rebounds, including eight offensive boards, while scoring 10 points and blocking two shots.
Flau’jae Johnson and Jade Melbourne each scored nine points, but Washington’s frontcourt production proved decisive. Austin’s efficient scoring and Iriafen’s rebounding helped the Mystics secure the five-point victory.
