In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron of the Washington Mystics showcased their exceptional skills, leading the team to a decisive 103-86 victory over the Chicago Sky. Iriafen opened the scoring with a dazzling fadeaway shot while being defended by 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardoso, setting the tone for an impressive performance. Citron capped the first quarter with a lightning-fast layup, sprinting past defenders just as the buzzer sounded.
The duo combined for a remarkable 50 points, marking the first time in franchise history that two rookies scored over 20 points in a single game. Citron’s career-high of 28 points and Iriafen’s 22 points were pivotal in ensuring the Mystics maintained control throughout the game, never trailing after the first quarter. Their performance was complemented by excellent ball movement, as the team recorded 25 assists on 36 baskets and shot 50.7 percent from the floor.
Head Coach Sydney Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the rookie pair, highlighting their commitment to improvement and ability to thrive under pressure. “The future’s really great with the pair — it’s just as clear as day,” Johnson said. Iriafen and Citron credited their strong off-court friendship for their on-court success, with Iriafen stating, “I want Sonia to succeed so much… I just feel super happy whenever she does well.”
The win brought Washington’s record to 13-13, as they prepare for their next game against the expansion Golden State team. Meanwhile, the Sky faced their sixth consecutive loss, placing them at 7-19 for the season.
In a noteworthy return, Maryland native Angel Reese received a warm welcome from fans as she made her comeback from a back injury, scoring 22 points and collecting 13 rebounds to achieve her 11th consecutive double-double performance, the third-longest streak in WNBA history.
Despite the victory, the Mystics were without second-year forward Aaliyah Edwards, who was ruled out for a third straight game due to an undisclosed injury, pending further evaluation.
The Mystics’ remarkable synergy and the rise of their rookie stars have created a wave of excitement among fans, promising a bright future for the franchise. With such performances, the prospects appear incredibly promising, and Washington’s basketball community has reason to be hopeful.