Kiki Iriafen’s impressive performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds, along with Shakira Austin’s contribution of 11 points and 10 rebounds, propelled the Washington Mystics to a 93-82 victory over the undermanned Toronto Tempo on Wednesday night, marking the Mystics’ eighth consecutive win at home.
The defeat officially dashed the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season, as their record fell to 10-25. Austin recorded her 16th double-double of the season, while Iriafen notched her 15th, showcasing Washington’s dominance on the boards with a 43-27 rebounding advantage over Toronto. Iriafen’s shooting was particularly efficient, going 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere contributed 14 points and drained four 3-pointers for the Mystics (21-14), with Sonia Citron adding 13 points and six assists. The Mystics’ inside presence was evident as they scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with 40 or more paint points.
Facing the absence of Toronto’s top scorers — Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally — in the second leg of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led the Tempo with 19 points, supported by Aneesah Morrow’s 13 points and eight rebounds. However, the expansion Tempo suffered their 12th consecutive loss.
Washington surged in the second quarter with a 12-0 run, building a 37-24 lead as Toronto struggled to find their shooting touch, missing their first five attempts. The Mystics continued their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 22-9 to head into halftime with a 47-33 lead.
Onyenwere’s back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter extended Washington’s lead to 60-42, firmly putting the game in their control.
Looking ahead, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.