Game Recap: Team Effort Leads Mystics Past Fever

Sat, Aug 16, 2025, 1:42 PM

Ali Jawad

Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Mystics relied on a full-team effort to over come another double-digit deficit, with contributions from all corners, to secure an 88-84 victory over the Indiana Fever Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Shakira Austin (left leg soreness) sat out her third consecutive game, while Jacy Sheldon (right ankle) was also ruled out. Indiana continued to be without Caitlin Clark (groin), who missed her 12th straight contest.

Washington completed its ninth comeback of the season after trailing by 10 or more points and recorded 20 assists for the 15th time this year, improving to 9-6 in those games. The Mystics shot 52.7% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range, extending their perfect record (4-0) in games with at least 50% shooting from the field and 40% from three.

Kiki Iriafen led the way with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and a block, marking her 11th double-double of the season and her third consecutive game with one. Iriafen also made the first three-pointer of her career and shot 6-of-8 (.750) from the field, tying teammate Sonia Citron for the most games by a rookie this season with 18+ points on 75% or better shooting. Her five games with 15+ points and 10+ rebounds this season tie the franchise rookie record set by Chamique Holdsclaw.

With the win, Washington has now taken four of its last five meetings against Indiana, showcasing both depth and efficiency as they continue to make a strong push down the stretch.

Citron was Washington’s top scorer with 21 points, including three made three-pointers, marking her sixth 20+ point game of her rookie season. Citron has made a three-pointer in eight consecutive games, tying the longest streak by a Mystics rookie, and became the third rookie in franchise history to record 15+ points in 15 or more games in a season.

The third overall pick joined Chamique Holdsclaw, Alana Beard, and Brittney Sykes as the only players in franchise history to achieve at least 475 points, 145+ rebounds, 80+ assists, and 40+ steals in a rookie campaign while shooting 46.5% from the field and 39.4% from three.

The Mystics’ bench also made a significant impact. Alysha Clark led all reserves with 11 points, including three three-pointers, marking her third double-digit scoring effort of the season and first since returning to Washington.

Sug Sutton added 13 points, four assists, and two steals, recording her 12th 10+ point game of the season and eighth game with multiple steals.

Emily Engstler tied a career-high with three steals while contributing four assists, seven rebounds, and a season-high three blocks, joining Shakira Austin as the second Mystics player this season with three blocks and three steals in a single game.

"Emily does a lot of things that often go unnoticed, Iriafen said postgame. "She takes care of all the little things, rebounding, blocking shots, saving possessions, and she's a true workhorse for our team. She's invaluable, and I think she deserves more recognition for that."