Mystics End Valkyries Nine-Game Streak 90-82

The Washington Mystics defeated the Golden State Valkyries 90-82 at Chase Center, snapping Golden State's nine-game winning streak. Kiki Iriafen posted 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Shakira Austin added 15 points and 15 rebounds, as the Mystics dominated the paint. Washington erased an 80-73 deficit with a 17-2 run in the final minutes, with Iriafen's 1:41 jumper giving them the lead for good. Kaitlyn Chen added 20 points and six assists, including a fourth-quarter 3 and a setup on Kiah Stokes' 3, while Veronica Burton had 12 points and seven assists and Kayla Thornton 15. The win came after adjustments to attack size mismatches and a return to strong man defense late, aided by efficient shooting at 51.9%. The game also featured a notable late third-quarter technical foul on Cotie McMahon for landing on Salaun’s hair, and it capped a rare home-series split in three days between the teams.