The Washington Mystics secured a crucial 79-69 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night, bringing them closer to clinching a spot in the WNBA playoffs. Central to this triumph was Shakira Austin, who delivered an impressive double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. This marked her 20th double-double of the season, a milestone that holds significant historical value when considered alongside teammate Kiki Iriafen‘s achievements.
Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen Make History in Final Sun vs Mystics Meeting
Austin’s standout performance against the Sun tied her with Iriafen, who boasts 22 double-doubles this season. Together, they became the first pair of teammates in WNBA history to each record 20 or more double-doubles in a single season. This unprecedented feat highlights the duo’s dominance and consistency throughout the campaign.
Supporting this dynamic frontcourt effort, Washington also benefited from balanced scoring contributions by Sonia Citron and Cotie McMahon, who added 12 and 13 points respectively, helping the Mystics maintain control throughout the game.
On the opposing side, the Connecticut Sun relied on Diamond Miller, who led her team with 19 points. However, despite additional efforts from Leila Lacan and Raegan Beers, each scoring 11 points, the Sun were unable to narrow the gap and eventually fell to 10-33 on the season.
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With this win, the Mystics surpassed their previous franchise record of 26 victories, established during their 2019 championship season, solidifying their position among the league’s elite as the playoffs approach. This momentum not only reflects the team’s resilience but also underscores the pivotal role Austin and Iriafen have played in propelling Washington forward during this campaign.