On Sunday, the Washington Mystics secured a dominant 104-67 victory over the Connecticut Sun, marking their first win in the Commissioners Cup. Brittney Sykes led the charge with 28 points and six assists, shooting an impressive 14-for-15 from the free-throw line. Earlier, the Mystics suffered their sixth loss of the 2025 WNBA season to the New York Liberty, but rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iliafen showed promise by scoring 13 and 17 points respectively. Against the Sun, they maintained strong performances, with Citron, a former Notre Dame player, scoring 11 points in 27 minutes, and Iliafen contributing 12 points and five rebounds.
The rookie pair notched their 10th double-digit scoring game, demonstrating consistency that outshines the No. 1 draft pick, Pice Bueckers, who has six such games this season. Citron averages 14 points and 4.4 rebounds with a 40.5% three-point shooting rate, while Iliafen averages 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. Meanwhile, Dallas Wings rookie Pice Bueckers averages 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over six games. The strong starts of these Mystics rookies have caught widespread attention, with analyst Candace Pedraza highlighting how their energy and scoring threats have been pivotal for the team’s success. Pedraza noted Citron’s 3-point shooting and Iliafen’s defensive impact, dubbing them key figures of the 2025 rookie class.
Both Citron and Iliafen are top contenders for the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, proving they belong in the league with their consistent and impactful play.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for WNBA fans because it spotlights the rising talent that is shaping the future of the league. The emergence of strong rookies like Citron and Iliafen not only fuels team success but also elevates the overall level of competition and excitement in the sport.
