The Washington Mystics stunned the Las Vegas Aces, rallying back from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 100-99 victory at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday night, marking their final game before the WNBA All-Star break.
The thrilling victory was fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter performance from center Shakira Austin.
The Washington Mystics head into the All-Star break with a statement victory over the Las Vegas Aces. FINAL SCORE: 100-99 pic.twitter.com/9hcnVqvjzg— Skylar Nelson (@SkyMad03) July 23, 2026
Austin sealed the victory with a stunning basket after grabbing an offensive rebound off guard Sonia Citron’s missed driving layup, converting the putback while drawing a foul to complete the three-point play.
“[Austin] has just been on a tear right now and I think you know, that last possession, that putback and-one was just so crucial,” said Mystics guard Georgia Amoore. “I mean, [we] could’ve just seen Sonia [Citron] take a layup and just trusted that she makes it, because 9.5, 9.9 out of 10 she does make it… Like that’s a pressure situation so she just closed it out. [Shakira Austin] did what she had to do.”
The star center finished the night with 25 points, Citron added 20 points. Center Lauren Betts chipped in 13 points and forward Kiki recorded yet another double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Forward Michaela Onyenwere and guard George Amoore also scored 10 apiece adding to the team’s six-player double scoring effect. The balanced scoring effect was highlighted by all five starters finishing with 10 or more points.
The Washington Mystics will have six days off before returning to basketball action on Tuesday, July 28, when they host the Connecticut Sun with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff at CareFirst Arena. Before league play resumes, all eyes will be on WNBA All-Star weekend with Festivities set to kickoff on Thursday July 23.
Citron and Iriafen are set to represent the District in the All-Star game on Saturday, while center Austin will make an appearance in this year’s Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Competition teaming up with Mystics legend Elena Delle Donne on Friday.
“Right now we’re just gonna go into the [All-Star Break] and exhale, and allow Kiki [Iriafen], Sonia [Citron], and [Shakira Austin] to enjoy that experience,” said Head Coach Sydney Johnson, “but I just wanted to focus on getting some time off, letting them enjoy that, and then we’ll reset and see what awaits us late July and all of August.”
The Washington Mystics do one final huddle after defeating the Las Vegas Aces 100-99 at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday, July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics’ forward Kiki Iriafen attempts a shot in the paint while being double teamed by two Aces defenders in the team’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces, at CareFirst Arena on July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics’ guard Cotie McMahon (left) looks to score while being defended by Aces’ Jackie Young (right), in Washington’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces at CareFirst Arena on July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere attempts a three-pointer in the team’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces, at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday, July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Center Shakira Austin celebrates after banking in a shot that put Washington in the lead with just 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the team’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces, at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday, July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Source: Washington Informer
