Game Recap: Mystics Nearly Erase 25-Point Deficit in Loss to Valkyries

Thu, Aug 14, 2025, 4:15 PM

Ali Jawad

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

In their first game back in D.C. since July 31, the Washington Mystics fell just short against the Golden State Valkyries, 88-83, at CareFirst Arena.

To start, Wednesday night marked Jacy Sheldon’s home debut following her August 7 trade to Washington. It also featured the return of Alysha Clark, reacquired on August 5 after spending the 2022 season with the Mystics.

Meanwhile, Shakira Austin (left leg soreness) was once again ruled out just before tip-off.

From the outset, the Mystics faced an uphill battle. Despite trailing by as many as 25 points, including deficits of 30-12 after one quarter and 46-28 at halftime, and enduring strong three-point shooting from Golden State (15-32), Washington refused to fold. Consequently, they outscored the Valkyries 55-42 in the second half, trimming the gap to just three points (86-83) in the final minutes. However, the Valkyries managed to hold on for the win.

Washington’s rally was fueled by a 31-18 fourth quarter, during which Sonia Citron poured in 13 of her 15 points, capped by a deep three that cut the deficit to four with 1:35 remaining. Emily Engstler, Kiki Iriafen, Lucy Olsen, and Sug Sutton all delivered clutch shots down the stretch, including Sutton’s triple in the final minute that made it a one-possession game. Nevertheless, after Iriafen’s driving layup attempt with 22.6 seconds remaining rolled off the rim, Golden State’s Tiffany Hayes ultimately sealed the win at the line with two free throws.

Overall, the Mystics had five players — Iriafen, Citron, Sutton, Jade Melbourne, and Engstler — finish in double figures, with Iriafen recording her 10th double-double of the season. On the other hand, the Valkyries saw Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Tiffany Hayes, and Veronica Burton reach double figures, with Burton’s 30 points leading all scorers.

Mystics Game Notes:

Sonia Citron tied a team-high with 15 points, while also contributing three rebounds and three assists. She caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 of her 15 points during that span—her highest-scoring quarter of the season. With a steal in the game, Citron extended her active steal streak to 11 games, tying for the second-longest active streak in the league and the third-longest ever by a Mystics rookie, joining the ranks of Alana Beard and Ariel Atkins.

Kiki Iriafen delivered another standout performance with 14 points and 10 rebounds. This marked her 10th game of the season with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds, maintaining her lead among all rookies in that category. With this stat line, she tied A’ja Wilson for 14th all-time in double-double games by a rookie. Iriafen also became the fifth rookie in Mystics history to surpass 400 points in a season, joining Chamique Holdsclaw, Sonia Citron, Alana Beard, and Nikki McCray. She is one of only three rookies this season to reach the 400-point mark, alongside Sonia Citron and Paige Bueckers.

Sug Sutton finished with 15 points and a season-high seven assists, leading the team in playmaking. It marked her second game this season with at least 15 points and five assists, the last coming on June 26 against Las Vegas. Sutton has now recorded five or more assists in six games this season, continuing to show her value as a key facilitator for the Mystics.

Emily Engstler led the bench with a season-high 13 points, while also grabbing five rebounds. It was her second consecutive game scoring in double figures and she matched a career-high with three made three-pointers. This performance marked her 10th career game with at least 10 points and five rebounds, highlighting her growing consistency and impact off the bench.

Jade Melbourne added 10 points for Washington, registering her sixth double-digit scoring effort of the season. Her steady contributions continue to provide valuable depth for the Mystics.

Additional Notes:

Five Mystics scored in double figures for the fourth time this season.

All three matchups between the Mystics and Valkyrie this season have been decided by five points or fewer.

The Mystics bench outscored the Valkyries reserves 24-11.

Washington won of points in the paint battle, outscoring Golden State 40-22.

The Mystics totaled 21 assists on the night, marking their third consecutive game with 20+ assists.

Looking Ahead

Washington will visit the Indiana Fever on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with tip-off at 7:30 ET.