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Mystics Veteran Subtly Campaigns for WNBA Rookie Teammate to Win Prestigious Award

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 30, 2025 11:59 PM ET

On Friday, the Washington Mystics couldn't handle the New York Liberty and suffered an 85-63 loss . Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu went off against the Mystics and had a 28-point outing. Ionescu also had three rebounds and five assists on 56.3% shooting from the field.

The Mystics fell to a 3-4 record in the 2025 WNBA season. The team tried to fight with veteran guard Brittney Sykes' 20-point game. Sykes was also attentive on the defensive end with three steals.

Washington's rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, were the other two out of the three players who scored in double digits. Citron had 10 points on 40% shooting from deep, while Iriafen scored 12 points and secured seven rebounds.

Following the contest, ClutchPoints' Joshua Valdez addressed the rookies' performance, specifically mentioning Citron. However, before Valdez could even finish his question, Sykes had a subtle "Rookie of the Year" comment about her rookie teammate.

Fortunately for Valdez, he finished his question, which was concerning Citron's recent achievement. The former Notre Dame star is the first rookie in the league to reach 100 points, which is why Sykes was indirectly campaigning for her to win the prestigious award.

Mystics assistant coach Emre Vatansever answered the question and credited how determined their rookies are when it comes to improving.

"I think we're very lucky to have, not only Sonia, we have a lot of good rookies that we're fortunate to have them," Vatansever said.

Brittney Sykes said “Rookie of the Year” under her breath when I mentioned Sonia Citron being the first rookie in the W this year to reach 100 points. Mystics Asst. Coach Emre Vatansever then talked about how the team is lucky to have rookies that commit to improving daily. pic.twitter.com/nosQAaDKzG
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) May 31, 2025

Vatansever said that it's wonderful to see the rookies grow and learn in the league. The coach was firm when he said that the Mystics' goal is to help the youngsters improve and learn how to be professional.

The next game for the Mystics will be against the Indiana Fever on Tuesday . The Fever remains without their best player, Caitlin Clark, who is dealing with a quad injury.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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