WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (16-23) vs. Golden State Valkyries (19-18)

Washington Mystics

Record: 16‑23 (10th in WNBA) — 3.5 games behind Golden State, slim playoff hopes.

Form: Lost 5 straight; last game was an 84‑82 loss to Seattle despite shooting 50.8% from the field.

Leaders:

Sonia Citron (rookie) — 15.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.1 APG

Kiki Iriafen (rookie) — 13.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG

Shakira Austin — Coming off a 30‑point game vs. Seattle

Team Stats:

10th in scoring (78.7 PPG)

7th in FG% (44.5%)

6th in points allowed (80.9 PPG)

Keys to Win: Limit Valkyries’ 3‑point volume, control the glass, and get big nights from Citron/Iriafen.

Golden State Valkyries

Record: 19‑18 (7th in WNBA) — 1 game ahead of 9th place, chasing first playoff berth in franchise history.

Form: Won 90‑81 at Dallas last time out, setting a franchise record with 16 made 3‑pointers.

Leaders:

Veronica Burton — 12.0 PPG, 5.6 APG; 25 pts & 13 ast vs. Dallas

Janelle Salaün (rookie) — 11.4 PPG last 10 games

Iliana Rupert — Career‑high 5 threes vs. Dallas

Team Stats:

League‑high 9.9 made 3‑pointers per game

6th in defensive rating

Keys to Win: Push pace selectively, hunt perimeter looks, and use balanced scoring to stretch Mystics’ defense.