rewrite this title Deadspin | Liberty look to keep hot streak going, host Mystics

If the New York Liberty win their next two games, they will clinch a spot in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on June 30.

The Liberty — who are 9-4 overall and 4-0 in the Cup standings — will play host to Washington on Sunday afternoon. After that, the Liberty will visit Chicago on Wednesday in their final pool-play game.

On Thursday, the Liberty defeated the host Atlanta Dream, 104-90, in New York’s highest-scoring game since the season opener.

It was also New York’s sixth straight win as the Liberty shot 54% from the floor and 52% on 3-pointers (16-for-31). The Liberty also had a 40-24 advantage on the boards against an Atlanta team that entered the game No. 1 in the WNBA in rebounding.

“We were just ready,” said Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who scored 17 points.

In fact, for the first time in franchise history, the Liberty had five players score at least 16 points.

The only thing not perfect about the Liberty right now is that point guard Sabrina Ionescu hasn’t played since May 24 due to a back injury, although she has been practicing lately.

Breanna Stewart leads New York in scoring (20.4), Jonquel Jones leads the team in rebounds (9.6) and rookie Pauline Astier tops the squad in assists (3.8).

Meanwhile, Washington (5-6) is 2-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Mystics beat Toronto 86-85 on Friday night on Sonia Citron’s turnaround jumper at the buzzer.

Washington prevailed despite a season-high 22 turnovers, shooting just 2-of-18 on 3-pointers and playing without standout Kiki Iriafen, who has an injured right ankle. She is averaging 14.6 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.

The Mystics are largely a product of their nine first-round picks, including seven they have selected since 2022. Citron (third overall) and Iriafen (fourth overall) were drafted in 2025, and the former leads the team in scoring (17.1).

Then there’s 6-5 center Shakira Austin, a top contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award. Austin is averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists — all career highs.

That’s some progression for the 25-year-old Austin, who was the third overall pick in 2022.

Two other Mystics first-rounders of note are a pair of rookies: 6-7 center Lauren Betts (fourth overall in 2026) and point guard Georgia Amoore (sixth overall in 2025).

Betts scored a season-high 18 points on Friday, making 8 of 9 shots. With Iriafen out, she got extended minutes — a season-high 21.

Amoore leads Washington in assists (3.8).

The Liberty will be the more rested team on Sunday.

And, in the only game between Washington and New York so far this season, the Liberty won, 98-93, in overtime. Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but she is likely unavailable on Sunday.

On the positive side for Washington, Citron is feeling better after an injury caused her to miss a game on June 2.

“My foot is good,” Citron said. “I’m happy to be back.”

–Field Level Media