The Washington Mystics, in their first home matchup of the Commissioner's Cup, fell to the New York Liberty, 86-78, on Thursday night from CareFirst Arena.

Rookie Kiki Iriafen led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds, notching her fifth game this season with at least 15 points and five boards. It also marked her eighth consecutive game with 10+ points and 5+ rebounds, tying the longest such streak by any player in the WNBA this season.

Iriafen came out strong with 11 points in the first quarter, her highest-scoring period of the season, and grabbed a season-best five offensive rebounds, the most by a Mystics' rookie since 2018.

Rookie Sonia Citron added 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. She’s now scored in double figures in nine straight games to open her career, matching Iriafen for the longest streak by rookie teammates to start a WNBA career.

Citron also hit multiple threes for the sixth time this season and has knocked down at least one from beyond the arc in seven of her last eight games.

Veteran center Stefanie Dolson reached a career milestone in the third quarter, scoring her 3,000th career point on a turnaround jumper in the paint. She finished with eight points on 66.7% shooting, her most efficient outing of the season.

Dolson is the 21st player in Mystics history to hit the 3,000-point mark and currently ranks 19th on the franchise’s all-time scoring list with 1,287 points.

Jade Melbourne brought energy off the bench, tying her season high with 15 points on 75% shooting, including a season-best six made field goals. Melbourne's three double-digit performances off the bench are tied for the second-most in the WNBA.

Shakira Austin continued to impact the game off the bench, hauling in a season-high 11 rebounds and dishing out a career-high four assists. Her 11 boards are the most by a WNBA reserve this season.

Washington put together a strong finish, outscoring New York 21-13 in the fourth quarter while holding the Liberty to just 23.1% shooting and zero assists in the period. Washington finished with 46 points in the paint and 20 assists, matching their season highs.

The Mystics also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and out-rebounded New York 39-36, their best rebounding performance against the Liberty since 2022. The bench chipped in with a season-high 31 points.

Washington will host the Connecticut Sun on Sunday from the CareFirst Arena.