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WASHINGTON Mystics rally past Dream behind Austin

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WASHINGTON -- The Washington Mystics rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the Atlanta Dream 81-76 on Thursday night, overcoming 27 turnovers to move above .500 on the season. Shakira Austin led Washington with 21 points and nine rebounds, and rookie Kiki Iriafen added 14 points and 10 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the year. Alicia Florez provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and seven assists, while Georgia Amoore chipped in 11 points, including two free throws with 11.4 seconds remaining that helped seal the victory. Washington improved to 10-9 as it stayed home between games on its current schedule. Iriafen converted layups on consecutive possessions to give the Mystics a 78-74 lead with 1:20 left, capping a strong second-half surge after Washington trailed 41-32 at the break. The Mystics, who had attempted 22 fewer shots than Atlanta in the first half, responded with five 3-pointers in the third quarter to grab a 60-56 advantage entering the final period and ultimately finished with 31 made field goals. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 24 points and five 3-pointers, Allisha Gray added 17, Angel Reese posted 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Jordin Canada scored 10, but the Dream fell to 12-8 with their fourth straight road loss. Atlanta next opens a four-game homestand on Saturday against Golden State, while Washington hosts the Valkyries on Monday.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Sunday Citron scores 32 in quadruple-overtime
Thursday Mystics host Dream in Washington
Halftime Washington trails 41-32 after turnovers
Third quarter Mystics hit five three-pointers
Fourth quarter Iriafen scores crucial late layups
Final minute Amoore free throws extend lead
End of game Mystics win 81-76
Saturday Atlanta begins four-game homestand

Why This Matters to You

This game shows the Mystics' resilience. They were down at halftime, but didn't give up. They rallied and won. It's a reminder that even when things look tough, there's always a chance to turn it around. If you're a fan, it's a great lesson in perseverance.

The Bottom Line

The Mystics are now above .500, showing improvement this season. They've got momentum and a strong team spirit. If you're a basketball fan, keep an eye on their next game against the Valkyries. And if you know someone who loves a good comeback story, this game is worth sharing.