Austin has 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Mystics beat the Sun 79-69 for franchise-record 27th win

The Washington Mystics achieved a new milestone in their franchise history by securing their 27th win of the season with a 79-69 victory against the Connecticut Sun. This triumph surpasses the previous best of 26 wins established in 2019, a season that culminated in the Mystics’ only WNBA championship to date.

Leading the team’s effort was Shakira Austin, who delivered an impressive performance with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Austin’s contribution was highlighted by a career-high 11 successful free throws, further underscoring her significant role in Washington’s success. Her rebounding total also pushed her to an individual single-season franchise record with 397 boards secured.

The game saw the Mystics break away decisively in the third quarter. A critical 15-4 scoring run late in the period allowed Washington to extend their lead into double digits. Cotie McMahon added a timely three-pointer shortly after, helping to maintain the momentum and put the team firmly in control. McMahon finished with 13 points, while Sonia Citron also made a solid impact by contributing 12 points.

On the opposing side, Connecticut’s Diamond Miller was the leading scorer with 19 points, supported by teammates Leila Lacan and Raegan Beers, who each added 11 points. Despite outrebounding Washington 43 to 34 in the contest, the Sun could not overcome the Mystics’ resilience and scoring efficiency.

Notably, Shakira Austin and teammate Kiki Iraiafen have achieved a rare feat this season. Both players have recorded at least 20 double-doubles, marking the first time in WNBA history that two teammates have reached this milestone simultaneously.

With this win, Washington’s record stands at 27-16, positioning them ahead of both Dallas and New York, who are tied for seventh place. With the regular season winding down and only two games remaining, the Mystics have strengthened their hold on a favorable postseason position.

The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, face a challenging finish to their season with a 10-33 record. They are preparing to host Toronto in their final game, while the Mystics will remain at home for their season finale against Chicago.

Washington’s ability to dominate on the boards is a notable aspect of their campaign. This season, they have set a WNBA record by outrebounding opponents 39 times, a testament to their physical presence and strategic rebounding prowess.

As the Mystics close out the regular season, their record-breaking achievement and standout individual performances highlight a team poised for a strong run in the playoffs. The combination of veteran leadership and emerging talents like Austin and McMahon will be key factors to watch as the postseason approaches.

Details remain limited regarding the full scope of the Mystics’ playoff prospects and how their record-setting season may influence their positioning and strategy moving forward.