Shakira

Austin

While the Mystics ended their season on a 10-game losing streak, Austin’s play was one of the team’s bright spots. The fourth-year center/forward finishes with career-high averages in points, assists and blocked shots, and she performed well against the Liberty. Austin will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and her play in 2025 should make her a coveted asset for the Mystics as the franchise continues its rebuild.

While Austin’s numbers were solid on Sunday, the efficiency left something to be desired. The center/forward was one of three Mystics to record at least five turnovers, with Kiki Iriafen (five) and Sonia Citron (six) being the others. After halftime, Indiana did a better job of focusing its defensive efforts on that trio, turning what was a close game into a 94-63 blowout. However, this should not detract from the strides Austin made this season. After two injury-plagued seasons, she heads into Tuesday’s finale averaging career-highs in points, assists and blocked shots.

Austin has recorded at least one blocked shot in seven straight games, and on Thursday, she recorded her fourth double-double of the season and first since July 26. Outside of three-pointers, Austin posted numbers across the stat line in the loss to Phoenix in her most productive WNBA season. She’s averaging career-highs in points, assists and blocked shots while shooting nearly 47 percent from the field. Washington has two games remaining in its season, and Austin will look to finish on a high note.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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