The Washington Mystics were next in line to go under the A’ja Wilson buzzsaw. Despite a career-high night from Kiki Iriafen, the class of Wilson proved to be just too much for the young Mystics. There were some positive signs for the Mystics as Iriafen led with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Shakira Austin added 18 points. Sonia Citron had another double-digit game with 13 points. While they take the positives, the sun on their playoff hopes has started to set with this loss. The Mystics dropped to a 16-21 record with just 7 games to go, and their schedule is not getting any easier. Iriafen and Co. face the Seattle Storm, who are charging for the playoffs. 

Dominique Malonga has become the fearsome rookie everyone thought she could be for the Storm. In her most played game of the season, Malonga had 22 points and nine rebounds, making it her 4th game of at least 15 points and 5 rebounds off the bench, the most by a WNBA reserve this season. However, when asked what has changed in the recent weeks, she had a simple answer,  “I just do the easy things and that’s what things that I’m good with. So yeah, I don’t think it’s really changed.” 

Apart from Malonga, none of the starters for Storm scored in the double digits as the bench bailed them out with Erica Wheeler and Tiffany Mitchell getting 17 and 11 points respectively. The Storm gained the flexibility they were always looking for and will look to stretch their winning streak to 3 against the Mystics. Let’s look at how the teams fare up before the crucial match-up.

Seattle Storm vs Washington Mystics: Injury Report

Seattle Storm:

The Storm remain largely injury-free in these final few games of the season, as only Katie Lou Samuelson appears on the report. She was ruled out of the current season for the Seattle Storm with an ACL tear. 

Washington Mystics:

The Mystics continue to function without their mid-season signing Jacy Sheldon, who is ruled out with an ankle injury. Georgia Amoore remains out with her preseason ACL tear. 

Seattle Storm vs Washington Mystics: Where to Watch

Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025

Time: 3:00 pm ET

Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington

TV: MNMT and CW Seattle

Live Streaming: WNBA League Pass, Fubo

Seattle Storm vs Washington Mystics: Predicted Line Ups

Washington Mystics:

Sug Sutton
Sonia Citron
Kiki Iriafen
Alysha Clark
Shakira Austin

Seattle Storm:

Skylar Diggins
Nneka Ogwumike
Gabby Williams
Dominique Malonga
Brittney Sykes

Seattle Storm vs Washington Mystics: Match Preview And Prediction

The Mystics were on the verge of doing something very special. They were on their way to get that playoff spot with the youngest team in the league. However, these last few games have killed that hope. They have been on the winning side only 3 times out of the last 10, including two losses against league-worst Connecticut Sun and one against the Chicago Sky. However, now that dream seems far away as they come up against the Seattle Storm, where they will welcome back Brittney Sykes. The decision to trade away Sykes was one for the long term, as they essentially let go of whatever success they were going to have this season to possibly become a proper contender in the next two years. 

Now the Mystics stand at a crossroads: chase a strong finish for 2025, or ease up and gun for a juicier pick in 2026. Judging by the current fire in their camp, they’re gripping the rope tight and swinging for that high note. Against the Storm, it will be the battle of the rookies when it comes to the paint. Iriafen will go up against Malonga, who will probably start, and it will be a treat to watch. Their talent is unquestionable, and this showdown could tip the scales in their rivalry for good, setting up who’s got the upper hand.

Apart from this rivalry in the matchup is even more interesting as it’s the most paint-dependent teams going up against each other. The Mystics have 48.3% of their points in the paint, which is the most in the league. The Storm isn’t behind much with 48.2% of their points from under the basket. If the Storm plugs out this area for the Mystics, their attack is left with nothing. They are among the worst attacking teams in the league without any range from the outside. 

Sonia Citron and Co. attempt only 16.9 shots from downtown with an accuracy of 33.3% while the Storm have some more variety. It could come down to who wins that battle in the paint. The Storm are the favorites to win this match-up with a 63.3% chance according to the ESPN predictor. This Mystics side seems too undercooked for the experienced Storm, which tips the scales towards Nneka Ogwumike and Co.