Mystics vs Sun: Key Matchup Preview and Predictions

Washington Mystics' Collapse vs. Lynx Highlights Late-Game Struggles

The Washington Mystics dropped a winnable game Wednesday night, blowing a 12-point lead to fall 78-76 against the Minnesota Lynx. Sonia Citron erupted for 28 points, while Shakira Austin posted 11 points and 16 rebounds, but the Mystics' fourth-quarter defense evaporated when it mattered most.

The Mystics have now lost three of their last four games, each decided by single digits. Their inability to close out tight contests is a glaring weakness entering Friday's matchup.

Washington's 8-8 record masks a troubling trend: they are 1-4 in games decided by five points or fewer. Against a Connecticut team desperate for a winning streak, the Mystics cannot afford another late-game breakdown. Kiki Iriafen added 13 points and 11 rebounds against Minnesota, giving the Mystics a balanced scoring attack that will need to sustain pressure for 40 minutes.

• Sonia Citron leads Washington with 18.3 points per game.
• Shakira Austin averages a double-double threat (11 points, 8.7 rebounds).
• Kiki Iriafen posts 15.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest.

Brittany Griner's Record-Breaking Block Performance Fuels Sun's Blowout Win

Connecticut enters Friday riding a rare wave of momentum after Brittany Griner became the WNBA's all-time blocked shots leader. On Monday night, Griner swatted four shots against Chicago, pushing her career total to 878 and surpassing Margo Dydek's mark set from 1998-2008. She added 14 points in a 92-63 dismantling of the Sky.

Griner's presence alters opposing offenses; the Sun held Chicago to 35.8% shooting. Her 12.3 points per game may not jump off the stat sheet, but her defensive anchor role is irreplaceable. For the Mystics, who rely on drives from Citron and Iriafen, Griner's rim protection could force Washington into contested jumpers.

• Griner recorded 14 points, 4 blocks, and 9 rebounds against Chicago.
• She ranks second in the league in blocks per game (2.1).
• Charlisse Leger-Walker added 13 points and 5 assists in the win.

The Sun's offense also clicked: Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted 11 points and 15 rebounds, and Lacan averages 11.9 points with 4.4 assists per game.

Contrasting Records: Sun's 3-15 Struggle vs. Mystics' .500 Mark

Connecticut owns the worst record in the WNBA at 3-15, while Washington sits at a middling 8-8. Yet the Sun are seeking consecutive wins for the first time since last August. A win Friday would not only extend their mini-surge but also pull them within striking distance of the playoff picture.

Home court at Mohegan Sun Arena gives Connecticut a boost — they have a 2-6 record there, but that's better than their 1-9 mark on the road. Washington, meanwhile, is 4-4 away from home. The Mystics have the superior roster on paper, but the Sun's recent dominant performance suggests they are not a typical 3-15 team.

Injuries complicate matters for Connecticut: Aneesah Morrow (leg), Saniya Rivers (ankle), and Hailey Van Lith (ankle) are all out. That puts additional pressure on Griner and Leger-Walker to carry the load.

• Mystics: 8-8, 4-4 on the road.
• Sun: 3-15, 2-6 at home.
• Washington's scoring depth (three players averaging 15+ points) vs. Connecticut's reliance on Griner and Leger-Walker.

Key Takeaways

• Washington must shore up fourth-quarter defense after blowing a 12-point lead to Minnesota.
• Brittany Griner's block record and recent form make her a game-changer on both ends.
• The Mystics' balanced scoring (Citron, Iriafen, Austin) could overwhelm a short-handed Sun roster.
• Connecticut's chance at consecutive wins adds pressure on a .500 Mystics team that struggles in close games.
• Game tips at 7:30 PM ET on ION; streaming available via Fubo with a free trial. For more sports matchup previews, check out our analysis of the Marlins vs Cardinals.