WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (15-15) vs. Washington Mystics (14-17)

Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
Broadcast: Monumental Sports Network, YouTube TV, WNBA League Pass

The Golden State Valkyries head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Mystics in a pivotal late-season showdown with playoff implications. Golden State enters the game riding a two-game win streak and holding a narrow edge in the season series, while Washington looks to build on a much-needed win over Dallas and climb back into postseason contention.

Team Overview & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 5 Games	Streak	Playoff Position
Golden State Valkyries	16–15	W-W-L-L-W	W2	7th in WNBA
Washington Mystics	14–17	W-L-L-L-L	W1	9th in WNBA

Golden State won both previous matchups this season by a combined 3 points, including a 68–67 nail-biter on July 31.

Washington snapped a four-game skid with a 91–78 win over the Dallas Wings, led by rookie Sonia Citron.

Key Players to Watch

Golden State Valkyries

Veronica Burton – 16 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST vs. Sparks; emerging as a two-way leader

Janelle Salaün – 16 PTS, 4 3PM vs. Connecticut; perimeter threat

Tiffany Hayes – GTD (knee); veteran scoring presence

Cecilia Zandalasini – OUT (knee); key absence in wing rotation

Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron – 14.0 PPG, 48.9 FG%, 89.3 FT%; rookie All-Star with elite efficiency

Kiki Iriafen – 14.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG; dominant rebounder and interior scorer

Shakira Austin – Day-to-day (knee); impact defender

Alysha Clark – Recently acquired from Seattle; veteran leadership

Tactical Breakdown

Golden State Valkyries – Keys to Victory

Three-point shooting – 39.4% vs. Connecticut; spacing is critical

Ball movement – 20 assists vs. Sparks; unselfish play fuels offense

Defensive pressure – 2nd in WNBA in points allowed (77.8 PPG)

Washington Mystics – Keys to Victory

Rookie production – Citron & Iriafen must carry scoring load

Turnover control – 17 TOs vs. Dallas; must clean up ball security

Paint defense – Valkyries average 36.1 RPG; need to box out