The Washington Mystics are navigating a transitional season following the retirement of longtime star Elena Delle Donne, but early signs are promising as rookies step up effectively. Notably, Kiki Iriafen, the team’s No. 4 pick in the recent WNBA Draft, is making headlines by achieving a remarkable feat. In a recent game against the Indiana Fever, despite a loss, Iriafen showcased her talent by scoring 20 points on an impressive 9-of-11 shooting while also grabbing nine rebounds.
Iriafen’s performance has positioned her as one of the standout rookies in league history; she is now the sixth player to average a double-double over her first eight career games—a milestone last achieved by Tina Charles in 2010. Overall, she’s averaging 13.9 points per game, making her Washington’s third-highest scorer. Her teammate, Sonia Citron, also a rookie, is contributing significantly with an average of 14.3 points per game, cementing their importance to the team’s performance as they aim for the playoffs.
Despite the loss of veteran players, the increasing production from Iriafen and Citron illustrates a promising future for the Mystics, suggesting that their rookie cohort has the potential to reshape the team’s trajectory. With the Rookie of the Year race heating up, the anticipation surrounding both players continues to grow, particularly as they navigate the challenges of the season. Their progress could very well be a foundation for the Mystics as they seek to rebuild and remain competitive in the WNBA.