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2w ago

Mystics’ Interior Defense Fuels Six-Game Win Streak and Move Into No. 7 Seed

Shakira Austin’s rim protection, coupled with unexpected bench scoring, has lifted Washington into the playoff picture despite persistent point-guard and perimeter shooting concerns.

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Aug 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Cotie McMahon (23) celebrates after the final buzzer as Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) walks off the floor at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Deadspin.com

Overview

  • The Washington Mystics extended their winning streak to six games with a 79-74 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Friday, pushing their record to 18-12 and vaulting them past the New York Liberty into the No. 7 seed.
  • Center Shakira Austin produced a double-double and finished with five blocks as Washington set a single-game franchise record with 12 team blocks, repeatedly limiting Angel Reese and Atlanta’s interior scoring.
  • The streak was powered not just by Austin but by young contributors and bench sparks—Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, Lauren Betts and rookie Cotie McMahon have supplied timely scoring, rebounding and defensive energy.
  • Washington’s recent surge includes a 96-92 comeback over the Dallas Wings in which the Mystics erased a 20-point deficit and Cotie McMahon scored a season‑high 18 after being omitted from Dallas’s scouting notes.
  • Despite the defensive surge, the Mystics still show clear offensive limits: weak perimeter shooting and unsettled point-guard play remain issues that could shape their postseason ceiling and roster priorities.