(From left) Kiki Iriafen Early ROTY Case Over Paige Bueckers Gets Hype From Aaliyah Edwards. Photo credits: Imagn

'Let Em Know': Kiki Iriafen Early ROTY Case Over Paige Bueckers Gets Hype From Aaliyah Edwards

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 26, 2025 10:09 AM ET

Kiki Iriafen is making waves in her rookie season, joining an elite club of first-year players who have recorded three consecutive double-doubles—a feat previously achieved only by Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Satou Sabally since 2020.

Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen has made a name for herself early on in her rookie season, as she lined herself by settin a rookie record that only Catilin Clark, Angel Reese, and Satou Sabally has achieved so far.

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Her latest performance against the Las Vegas Aces saw her tally 17 points and 13 rebounds, following a 10-point, 12-rebound effort against the Golden State Valkyries and a 17-point, 14-rebound showing versus the Connecticut Sun. This streak makes her the first Washington Mystics rookie in franchise history to accomplish such a milestone.

Iriafen’s dominance in the paint and consistency in rebounding bolster her case for WNBA Rookie of the Year, putting her in direct competition with No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers.

While Bueckers entered the league with immense hype, Iriafen’s ability to immediately impact games with her scoring efficiency (49% FG), rebounding (10.8 RPG), and free-throw accuracy (78%) suggests she’s more than capable of challenging for the award.

Kiki Iriafen Records Double-Double in Mystics’ Loss to Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury secured a 68-62 victory over the Washington Mystics, overcoming a late deficit with a strong defensive effort. Despite the loss, rookie Kiki Iriafen continued her strong start to the season, recording a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Mercury forced 30 turnovers, which proved to be the deciding factor in their comeback win.

May 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives on Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Phoenix dominated the second quarter, holding Washington to just seven points, and built a 37-24 lead midway through the third. However, the Mystics fought back, ending the third quarter on a 13-6 run and briefly taking the lead in the fourth quarter.

With 4:23 left, Washington led by six points, but Phoenix responded with a 16-4 run to close out the game. Monique Akoa Makani hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:11 remaining, followed by two free throws to seal the win.

May 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) drives on Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Iriafen was a key presence in the paint, battling against Phoenix’s defense and securing crucial boards for Washington. Despite the loss, Iriafen’s performance reinforced her growing reputation as one of the league’s top young talents.

Kiki Iriafen played college basketball at Stanford University before transferring to USC, where she earned First Team All-Big Ten honors and won the Katrina McClain Award for the nation’s best power forward.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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