Seattle StormvsWashington Mystics
SEA 79/WSH 84
Things to say
The Washington Mystics beat the Seattle Storm 84-79 at home.
01
opener
Mystics held on 84-79. Storm made it close late but couldn't get the stops. Washington just wanted it more down the stretch.
02
key player
Shakira Austin was a problem, 27 and living in the paint. Storm had no answer for her all night.
03
hot take
Natisha Hiedeman dropped 31 in a loss and it barely mattered. When one player has to do everything, you're already cooked.
04
deep cut
Rookie Dominique Malonga grabbed 15 boards for Seattle. Storm are 6-19 but that kid is gonna be a real one.
05
exit
Storm are in a hole this year. I'll see if they can steal one next time out.
The recap
Washington held serve at home and grinded out an 84-79 win over Seattle. Shakira Austin was the engine all night, going for 27 and doing damage in the paint, while Kiki Iriafen crashed the glass for 13 boards to keep the Storm off the offensive rebound.
Natisha Hiedeman put on an absolute clinic for Seattle with 31 buckets, but she couldn't get enough help and the Storm took the L. At 6-19, Seattle's season keeps slipping while the Mystics claw back over .500.