Mystics halt losing streak with decisive 78-64 victory over Storm
Shakira Austin recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Michaela Onyenwere contributed 14 points in her season debut to secure the win in Seattle.
The Washington Mystics ended a recent slump with a 78-64 victory over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night, improving their WNBA record to 3-3. The win halted a difficult run for Washington, which had lost three of its previous four games, including back-to-back defeats prior to this matchup.
Shakira Austin anchored the Mystics’ performance with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Michaela Onyenwere made her season debut after missing the first seven games due to left knee injury management, scoring 14 points and hitting two three-pointers. Kiki Iriafen added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Alicia Flórez Getino, who signed a developmental contract on May 7, made her WNBA debut with nine points and five rebounds in 23 minutes.
Washington established control early with a 12-2 opening run, during which Onyenwere scored eight points. The Mystics never trailed in the game, extending their lead significantly in the second half. A 13-4 spurt driven by seven points from Sonia Citron pushed the advantage to 20 points with 4:03 remaining in the third quarter.
For the Storm, Jade Melbourne led the scoring with 15 points, while Mackenzie Holmes contributed eight points and a career-high 10 rebounds. Seattle struggled offensively, shooting 35% from the field (22 of 63) and just 22% from three-point range (5 of 23). The loss dropped Seattle’s record to 3-5.
Dominique Malonga missed her fifth consecutive game for the Storm due to concussion protocol. The Mystics’ victory provided immediate redemption after losing 97-85 to Seattle at home on Sunday.
