No. 9 Washington is playing beyond its years, as the WNBA’s youngest squad squashed veteran-heavy No. 12 Chicago 90-72 in Tuesday's Mystics vs Sky WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.
Washington found success in the paint despite missing scoring leader Sonia Citron, as center Shakira Austin led the game with 17 points, backed by second-year forward Kiki Iriafen’s 15 points and 11 rebounds — her fourth double-double this year.
“It’s exciting to be able to go out there and compete every day, and just bring them along with me,” Austin said of her teammates.
With eight rookies contributing to an average age of just 23.5, the Mystics are building towards the future while the experienced Sky appear stuck in first gear.
Chicago sits 13th in points per game, after losing leading scorer Rickea Jackson to a season-ending ACL tear last month.
“We’re not the only team going through it,” said head coach Tyler Marsh. “We’re nine games in, and we can’t keep letting nights like this slip away from us.”
Where to Watch WNBA Commissioner's Cup Games This Week
Chicago aims for redemption against Connecticut on Friday at 7:30 PM ET (ION), before Washington faces Atlanta on Saturday at 6 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).
