WNBA Power Rankings: Rebuilding Mystics soar into top three and look like contenders, Wings hit turbulence

The Washington Mystics have dramatically shifted their trajectory this WNBA season, transforming from a struggling squad to genuine playoff contenders. Six weeks ago, the team was languishing below .500 with an 8-9 record and appeared unlikely to break a postseason drought that dates back to 2023. However, a remarkable turnaround has seen the Mystics win 11 of their last 14 games, including a current seven-game winning streak that ties for the franchise’s second longest.

This resurgence places Washington firmly in fifth place in the standings, on the cusp of climbing into the top four and potentially securing homecourt advantage in the first playoff round. Their ascent is underscored by a schedule considered among the league’s more manageable, featuring multiple games against teams like the Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, and Phoenix Mercury.

Central to the Mystics’ revival has been a marked improvement on both ends of the court, particularly offensively. Earlier in the season, Washington’s offense was among the league’s weakest, historically on pace to become the first team since 2004 to reach the playoffs with the lowest offensive rating. Recent games tell a different story, with the team posting an offensive rating of 113.6 during their winning streak, ranking sixth league-wide in that timeframe.

Defensively, the Mystics have maintained a strong presence throughout the year, with their defensive rating over the last seven games standing at an impressive 104.7 — the best in the WNBA during that span. This balance of solid defense and an emerging offensive threat has been essential to their climb.

A standout figure in this transformation has been Shakira Austin, who has elevated her play significantly after a challenging June. Over the past seven games, Austin has averaged 21.7 points per contest, shooting efficiently at 54.8 percent. Her impact extends beyond scoring, contributing over ten rebounds and multiple assists and blocks per game. The team’s offensive rating with Austin on the floor during the winning streak is a robust 111.6, illustrating her critical role.

Further bolstering the Mystics’ depth is the acquisition of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, a former All-Star who was claimed off waivers after being released by the New York Liberty. Despite struggles this season linked to recovery from a knee injury that sidelined her throughout 2025, Laney-Hamilton offers valuable perimeter scoring and shooting capabilities, attributes the Mystics have sought to reinforce.

Looking ahead, Washington also holds a promising future asset with a lottery pick in the 2027 draft acquired via a pick swap with the Chicago Sky. This addition signals the franchise’s commitment to sustained competitiveness beyond the current campaign.

Meanwhile, other franchises like the Dallas Wings have experienced setbacks, with Dallas losing six of their last eight games, highlighting the volatility within the league and the challenges of maintaining consistency.

The Mystics’ journey from near playoff exclusion to a top-tier contender spotlights the fluid nature of the WNBA standings and the impact that strategic roster moves and player development can have midseason. As the regular season winds down, Washington’s blend of defensive grit and newfound offensive efficiency makes them a team to watch in the postseason race, with a roster that appears positioned for ongoing success.