Something magical is brewing in the nation’s capital.
Despite Wednesday’s two-point, 74-76 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, the Washington Mystics — who missed the postseason last season — are off to an exceptional start to the new year. Brittney Sykes‘ 26.3 points per game have carried the Mystics to their 2-1 record and she’s getting some unexpected help from one of Washington’s talented rookies.
Rookie forward Kiki Iriafen scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds during the contest at the Chase Center, making her the only rookie this season to post back-to-back double-doubles.
On the season, Iriafen is averaging close to 14 points a game while shooting over 51% from the floor and 75% from the charity stripe. She’s also the team’s leading rebounder with 10 boards a night.
Iriafen’s level of production is expected from a top-5 draft pick. But heading into the season, the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft didn’t seem to have the typical projections and attention that accompany a lottery-level talent.
As we inched towards the opening weekend, all eyes were on Dallas. The fans and media members were on the edge of their seats preparing for the No. 1 overall pick, Paige Bueckers, to make her…
