The Washington Mystics opened the 2026 postseason against the Atlanta Dream with a physical performance on the glass and standout playoff debuts from Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Washington pulled down a season-high 50 rebounds, out-rebounding Atlanta 50-31. The 19-rebound advantage marked the largest in Mystics postseason history, while Washington also scored 42 points in the paint, its third-highest playoff total.

In her postseason debut, Sonia Citron led Washington with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Citron became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in her first career playoff appearance.

Shakira Austin finished with 12 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, recording the first postseason double-double of her career. Her 16 boards were the second-most by a Mystics player in a playoff game.

Kiki Iriafen also delivered a double-double in her playoff debut, finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds. She became just the second player in Mystics history to record at least 15 points and 10 rebounds in her first postseason appearance. Austin and Iriafen also became just the second Mystics duo to record double-doubles in the same playoff game, setting the tone on the glass in Washington’s return to postseason basketball.