The Washington Mystics earned a coveted playoff berth on Sunday, overcoming the Portland Fire 105-100 at the Moda Center. The victory marks the team’s first appearance in the postseason since the 2023 season and adds to a growing legacy of success for the franchise.

Record‑setting performance

Washington set a new franchise high by scoring 40 points in a single quarter, the most ever for the Mystics. The win also represented the highest‑scoring regulation game of the season for the team.

Key contributors

Center Shakira Austin led the effort with a career‑high 31 points and 10 rebounds, emphasizing the team’s preparation and execution. “I was just really intentional about understanding that we’re very prepared for what we’re gonna see out there,” Austin said after the game. Forward Kiki IriafenSonia Citron contributed 14 points and set a WNBA record for most clutch points in a season, reaching 85.

Portland’s challenge

The Fire kept the contest close, with guard Carla Leite hitting back‑to‑back three‑pointers that trimmed the lead to three points in the fourth quarter. The game remained tight until the final seconds, when Portland committed a foul after a timeout. Guard Georgia Amoore converted both free throws, extending Washington’s lead to five points.

Looking ahead

Following the win, the Mystics will embark on a six‑game road stretch, beginning with a Tuesday night matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on August 25 at 10 p.m. Coach Sydney Johnson praised the team’s progress, noting that the young roster’s growth signals a bright future for the franchise.

“Now it’s just about continuing to put that same formula out every single game,” Johnson said, highlighting the importance of consistency as the Mystics aim to peak at the right moment in the playoffs.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.