May 29, the Washington Mystics paid homage to their D.C. roots by unveiling new 2026 Nike Rebel Edition uniforms. The magenta and dark purple uniforms are dedicated to D.C.’s historic U Street neighborhood, once known as Black Broadway, that thrived as the center of African American culture. Unfortunately, the Mystics came up short in the final seconds against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Sparks Fly as Mystics Fall Short in Nail Biter
The Mystics coming off a big road win against the Seattle Storm, stared down a 3-3 Sparks team missing their key floor general, Kelsey Plum. Offensively, the stars shined, but where the Sparks lacked in youth they made up for it with experience. Veteran players like Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler throttled the team over the finish line in a close duel. Defensively, the Mystics played sound, forcing 14 turnovers, but were plagued by early foul troubles with their big defenders leaving them vulnerable in the paint.
Shakira Austin stayed hot on her All Star campaign putting up 25 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the early season. Alongside key playmaker performances by Kiki Iriafen (13 points & 9 rebounds) and Sonia Cintron (21 points & 8 assists), the Mystics got into a good groove. However, even with big games by their young stars, the team weren’t a match tonight for a Sparks team that had 4 players in double figures, including red-hot Cameron Brink who matched her season high of 16 points off the bench.
Austin Leads By Example
From year 4 to year 5, Austin is still showing that fans must have faith in the process. Now fully healthy after years of injuries including a torn labrum in 2023, we see a new monster within her. Aggressive, tenacious and hungry not only lead this youthful squad but the franchise as a whole. Considered a team veteran only 5 years into her career is a heavy task to take on, but from what she’s showcased just in the past 7 games this season, we can tell she’s coming for thrones.
Cintron Gets Her Footing
After an inconsistent start to the season, Cintron seemed to have find her sweet spot. After shooting 3 of 12 against the Storm, she bounced back to find her stroke going 2 of 4 from three and shooting 7 for 10 from the field. Keeping her at the shooting guard position and moving off screens makes a world of difference in her game. We’ll see how the Mystics continue to implement this strategy against their next opponents going forward.
The Washington Mystics will host the Chicago Sky in D.C. Tuesday, June 2 at Carefirst Arena.
Reporting by Cameron “Cam” Proctor
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