The WNBA game between the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics on May 10, 2026, ended in an overtime thriller with the Mystics prevailing 93-98 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC.
Why it matters: This match showcased the rising talent of both teams, with the Mystics demonstrating resilience and skill against a formidable Liberty squad. The game marks a key moment early in the WNBA season.
The Mystics improved their record to 1-1, following a close road win against the Toronto Tempo earlier in the season.
The Liberty, coming off a dominant 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun, faced challenges without key players.
Attendance for the game reached 4,200, indicating strong local support for both teams.
Driving the news: The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Mystics scored 31 points in the first quarter, establishing an early advantage.
Washington's scoring by periods: 31, 17, 21, 16, and 8 in overtime, showing their ability to maintain pressure.
The Liberty struggled offensively in the second half, managing only 30 points combined in the last two quarters.
Overtime saw both teams battle fiercely, but the Mystics secured the win with a late surge.
State of play: Key players stepped up for both teams, but the Mystics' Kiki Iriafen shone brightest.
Kiki Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 points and 12 rebounds, solidifying her role as a core player for the team.
Shakira Austin contributed significantly with 16 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint.
For the Liberty, Marine Johannes was the standout scorer with 25 points, including six three-pointers.
Breanna Stewart added 23 points and 9 rebounds, but the Liberty's efforts fell short in the clutch moments.
The big picture: The game highlighted the contrasting paths of the two franchises.
The Liberty, with aspirations to contend for the championship, are currently dealing with injuries to key players like Sabrina Ionescu and Rebecca Allen.
The Mystics, featuring a young roster, are focused on building for the future and showcased their potential in this match.
This matchup could be a precursor to future playoff battles, especially if both teams can maintain their competitive edge.
What they're saying: Postgame reactions revealed a mix of pride and frustration from both sides.
"We fought hard, but we need to finish games stronger," Liberty head coach said, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Mystics' coach praised his team's resilience: "This is a great win for us, showing that we can compete with the best."
Kiki Iriafen noted, "Every game is a learning opportunity, and we’re getting there step by step."
By the numbers: The statistics from the game reveal the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup.
Liberty shot 47.8% from the field compared to the Mystics' 42.5%, highlighting New York's offensive efficiency.
Washington out-rebounded New York 42-34, a key factor in their victory.
The game featured 11 lead changes and 8 ties, underscoring the evenly matched nature of both teams.
What's next: Both teams are looking ahead to their upcoming schedules.
The Liberty will continue their road trip before returning home for a seven-game homestand.
The Mystics aim to build on their momentum as they prepare for their next game, hoping to capitalize on their young talent.
Fans can catch the next Liberty game on My9 or NBA League Pass, with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.