The Washington Mystics secured an exciting 84-78 win over the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night in a game that went down in WNBA history. Although the Fever were without standout rookie Kate Linklark, the Mystics’ rookie duo, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iliafen—who had both been sidelined due to left quad injuries—stole the spotlight. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 24 points and two rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mystics’ momentum.
Citron and Iliafen made WNBA history by becoming the first rookie duo since A’ja Wilson in 2018 to start their careers with eight consecutive games scoring in double digits. Notre Dame guard Citron scored 13 points and dished out one assist, while Iliafen dominated the paint with 20 points and nine rebounds, marking another double-double to add to her growing achievements.
Iliafen also hit the 100-point mark this season, becoming the second rookie on her team to do so, highlighting the exceptional impact the Mystics’ rookies are making early in the season. Their remarkable chemistry and influence have quickly placed them among the top rookies of the league, alongside Dallas Wings’ Star Page Bookers. Citron is nearing elite shooting percentages (the 50/40/90 club), while Iliafen’s tenacious rebounding keeps the Mystics competitive.
As the Rookie of the Year race intensifies with the expected return of Caitlin Clark, Citron and Iliafen are clearly staking their claim as the top newcomers this season, proudly representing the Mystics in red, white, and blue.
Fan Take: This game and the rise of the Mystics’ rookie duo showcase fresh talent that’s invigorating the WNBA, promising an exciting future for the league. For fans, it highlights the depth of emerging stars and the increasing competitiveness that will elevate the sport’s profile.
