The Washington Mystics made a statement and gave everything they had in their emerging core on Saturday as the team battled through a marathon four-overtime showdown before sealing the 124-123 victory.
“This [game] is history and a new one for me,” said head coach Sydney Johnson. “We talk a lot about our players and how a good number of them are going through firsts — I was right there with them. I’ve never experienced this that I can think of. But I loved the resiliency. Both teams played unbelievably hard. I have to give credit to Portland as well… I thought our Mystics were outstanding just in terms of never quitting.”
A THRILLINGGGG DUB FOR THE @WashMystics 🤩🤩This was the first 4OT since 2001 in the W, resulting in a Mystics win, 124-122, at home over the Fire! The Mystics have now been involved in BOTH quadruple overtimes in WNBA history.Sonia Citron not only secured the bucket to get… pic.twitter.com/dVhWyhdR1A— WNBA (@WNBA) June 28, 2026
This contest tied the WNBA record for the longest game ever played, marking the second four-overtime game played in the league, and fittingly, as the Mystics franchise has been part of both unforgettable battles. The first historic four-overtime game occurred on July 3, 2001, when Washington defeated the Seattle Storm 72-69.
“We just felt like we really wanted this game,” said forward Michaela Onyenwere. “It was so close at the end, I was like, ‘Why not go and get it?’… I’m really proud of us for staying down and keeping our heads up.”
Guard Sonia Citron delivered the game-winning shot with 21.4 seconds left in the fourth overtime, capping one of the most historic and memorable games in WNBA history that lifted Washington to a thrilling one-point victory. Citron led the charge for Washington, recording a career-high of 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, continuing her impressive campaign this season.
Washington’s victory was also fueled by career-high performances from forward Michaela Onyenwere, who poured in 30 points and forward Kiki Iriafen notched her seventh double-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
After an exhausting four-overtime classic, the Washington Mystics earned every bit of recovery, and they continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
“For such a young team, the best way to learn is just going through it,” Citron said. “I think early on in the season we had a lot of games that went into [overtime] that were decided by one or two possessions, and I think that all of that just helps us be better. Obviously it’s nice that we won, but just take this lesson and go forward. We’ll just be better for it in the end.”
Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (left) and guard Sonia Citron (right) encourage one another after a historic quadruple overtime win (124-123) against the Portland Fire on Sunday, June 28, at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics guard Coti McMahon looking to make a move while being defended by the Portland Fire’s Sarah Ashlee Barker. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin blocks a shot in the team’s historic quadruple overtime win (124-123) against the Portland Fire on Sunday, June 28 at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere shooting a shot over Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton during the Sunday evening thriller at CareFirst Arena. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics center Shakira Austin celebrates after increasing the score in the longest game in WNBA history, held at CareFirst Arena on Sunday, June 28. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere fights to bank a shot against a Portland Fire defender in Washington’s hard-fought quadruple overtime win (124-123) on Sunday, June 28. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)
Source: Washington Informer
