WNBA Washington Mystics Shakira Austin

Shakira

Austin

WNBA: Washington Mystics at Los Angeles Sparks

Hamby, Jackson and Plum each score 20-plus and the Sparks beat the Mystics 99-80

Dearica Hamby scored 26 points, Rickea Jackson had 22 and the Los Angeles Sparks used a big first-half run to beat the Washington Mystics 99-80 on Tuesday night.

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

Highlights: Sparks win clutch battle vs. Mystics

September 1, 2025 07:50 AM

Check out top plays from WNBA's slate of games Saturday night, featuring timely performances from the Sparks and a strong showing from the Valkyries.

Up Next

Highlights: Sparks win clutch battle vs. Mystics

Highlights: Valkyries top Mystics, Storm tames Sky

Highlights: Storm sink Mystics at the buzzer

Highlights: Sun stun Mystics for first win streak

Highlights: Liberty, Ionescu top Lynx in thriller

Highlights: Fever defeat Sun in historic comeback

Highlights: Aces beat Mercury, Storm defeat Dream

Highlights: Aces’ win streak continues vs. Liberty

Highlights: Lynx oust Liberty, Sparks’ strong end

HLs: Wilson scores 29 in birthday win over Storm

Leite comes off bench to score 19 points, five Valkyries reach double digits to beat Mystics 99-62

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

New York Liberty aim for top four playoff seed as stars return from injuries

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

WNBA postseason race heats up with teams jockeying for playoff position behind Minnesota

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

Burton scores career-high 30, Valkyries hit franchise-record 15 3s in 88-83 win over Mystics

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

WNBA ratings and attendance are still strong despite top stars missing games with injuries

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

Iriafen scores a career-high 23 points and the Washington Mystics rally to beat the Dallas Wings

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

Latest Player News

WAS C-F #0

11hShakira Austin contributed 11 points (3-of-9 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), seven rebounds, one block and one three-pointer during the Mystics’ 81-78 loss to the Sparks on Sunday in 22 minutes of play.

Austin wasn’t super efficient scoring the basketball as she had her first two shots of the game altered by rim protector Cameron Brink. But it wasn’t just Brink that made Austin miss, the Mystics center also had trouble with the Sparks’ length from Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson. Austin was most successful scoring and getting to the line when she was guarded by the less-defensively apt Dearica Hamby. Austin hit a wide open three-pointer on a pass from Sonia Citron at the top of the key with 12 seconds left in regulation to cut the Sparks lead to four before the final couple of possessions of the game.

WAS C-F #0

3dShakira Austin finished Thursday’s loss to the Liberty with seven points (3-of-11 FGS, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two assists and one block.

After tallying a season-high 30 points against Seattle, Austin’s offensive production was far inferior against New York. She started the game 0-of-7 from the field in the first half, where she went scoreless, before making three of her next four shots to finish as Washington’s fourth-leading scorer. Yet, the fourth-year center was one of several Mystics players to struggle on the offensive end, as the team totaled 63 points on Thursday. Washington has now lost five games in a row and appears in jeopardy of missing out on the 2025 postseason.

Dominique Malonga

SEA C #14

7dDominique Malonga added 17 points (8-of-17 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), 10 rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block during the Storm’s 84-82 Sunday win over the Mystics in 28 minutes of play off the bench.

Malonga scored in double figures for the 12th time this season as she has set a Storm franchise record for having the most games in double-digits coming off the bench. Her performance on Sunday was her fourth double-double of the season. Malonga currently is tied for third in league history for most double-doubles coming off the bench in a single season. While Malonga’s offensive output continues to fuel the Storm’s inconsistent offense, her defensive struggles have persisted. Mystics center Shakira Austin feasted off of Malonga’s novice effort on the defensive end trying to protect the rim.

WAS C-F #0

7dShakira Austin recorded a career-high 30 points during Sunday afternoon’s 84-82 loss to the Storm adding five rebounds, one assist, one steal and four blocks in 26 minutes of play.

Austin also reached a season high in blocks, accumulating four of them on Sunday. She became the first Mystics player in franchise history to have a 30 points and four blocks in a single game. She also joined Aces start A’ja Wilson to become the second player this season to reach that feat. Austin put a ton of pressure on the rim on Sunday afternoon, matching her career-high with 10 free throws made. She had one of her most efficient outings of the season on Sunday, shooting 10-of-15 from the field.

WAS C-F #0

8dShakira Austin tallied 18 points (5-of-10 FGs, 8-of-12 FTs), four rebounds, three assists and one block in Saturday’s loss to the Aces.

Austin registered nine points and two rebounds in each half of Saturday’s loss, putting up a consistent effort in her fourth game back from a leg injury. She had the tough assignment A’ja Wilson, and although Wilson had a big game, Austin also did well to find production on the offensive end. She finished with her fifth double-digit scoring outing of August and will have a chance to secure another on Sunday against Seattle.

Stefanie Dolson

WAS C #31

12dStefanie Dolson (leg) is out for Tuesday’s game against the Sun.

Washington’s frontcourt depth takes a hit with Dolson unavailable for Tuesday’s game. However, starter Shakira Austin returned to action on Sunday and is not on the Mystics’ injury report. While her playing time may remain somewhat limited, she’ll lead the way at the center position. Emily Engstler can also absorb the minutes that would have gone to Dolson.

WAS C-F #0

14dShakira Austin performed well in her return to game action during the Mystics’ Sunday afternoon’s 95-86 win over the Sparks, finishing with 14 points (6-of-7 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 18 minutes of play.

Austin had her most efficient shooting line all season. While that’s a result of a lower shot diet, Austin still proved her immense skill as a 6'5 big who can drive at will and face up. All of Austin’s makes were high percentage shots as she only missed one 10-foot jumper. Austin’s shot diet was mostly within six feet from the basket. Austin served as a secondary facilitator on Sunday, making sure she found Sonia Citron and Sug Sutton when both were wide open

WAS C-F #0

17dShakira Austin (leg) is out for Friday’s game against the Fever.

Friday’s game will be the third Austin has missed with a left leg injury. While it is not believed to be a long-term issue, the Mystics have not offered a concrete timeline for return. Stefanie Dolson has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but reserve Emily Engstler has been more productive with Austin unavailable.

WAS F #21

18dEmily Engstler shot 5-of-5 from the field in Wednesday’s loss to the Valkyries, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and three three-pointers.

Engstler’s playing time has increased in recent games, as the Mystics continue without the injured Shakira Austin. After scoring 11 points and recording a complete stat line in Washington’s August 10 win over the Wings, Engstler did not miss a shot on Wednesday. She isn’t at the point where fantasy managers should consider streaming her, but Engstler is worth watching, especially if Austin continues to miss time. Stefanie Dolson made another start on Wednesday, finishing with five points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer in 17 minutes.

WAS C-F #0

18dShakira Austin (leg) is out for Wednesday’s game against the Valkyries.

Wednesday’s game will be Austin’s second missed game with what the Mystics have described as a sore left leg. During his pregame availability, Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said the team’s starting center is dealing with an injury, and the hope is that it will not be a long-term issue. Stefanie Dolson will remain in the starting lineup as Austin’s replacement.

AAA

AAA

AAA

AAA