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WNBA Makes Historic Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated May 29, 2025 12:23 PM ET

In a tightly contested battle in Baltimore on Wednesday night, the Washington Mystics edged out the Indiana Fever 83-77. With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a left quad injury, the Fever struggled to keep pace. Brittney Sykes led the Mystics with 21 points, while rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron were once again impressive.

Iriafen posted 16 points and eight rebounds, nearly clinching her fifth straight points-and-rebounds double-double. Citron added 13 points, continuing her hot streak.

Both Iriafen and Citron made history in the win, becoming the first Washington Mystics players in 20 years to score in double digits in each of their first six career games. That kind of rookie consistency is rare, and it’s given the Mystics a major boost early in the season.

The win ended a three-game skid for Washington, bringing their record to 3-3, while Indiana dropped to 2-3.

Clark’s absence was clearly felt. Before the game, ticket prices plummeted from $41 to $22 down 47% after her injury was announced. Clark had been averaging a league-high 9.3 assists per game and just came off an 18-point, 10-assist performance over the weekend.

The Fever struggled without her on the floor, logging only 15 assists on 25 made field goals. DeWanna Bonner stepped up with 21 points off the bench, and Kelsey Mitchell reached the 4,000-point career milestone.

Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are BOTH the first @WashMystics players in 20 years to score double digits in the first 6 games of their career! #WelcometotheW https://t.co/UKvRxPdagL pic.twitter.com/lX4WfOxXNx
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 29, 2025

Meanwhile, Mystics guard Lucy Olsen another Iowa product cashed in both her three-point attempts for six quick points in just six minutes off the bench. The much-anticipated Clark vs. Olsen showdown didn’t happen again due to Clark’s injury.

Kiki Iriafen has 60 REB in her last 5 games pic.twitter.com/eLFj5aPTQz
— Real Sports (@realapp_) May 29, 2025

Clark is expected to miss at least two weeks. Indiana now faces the challenge of finding rhythm without their star, as they prepare to host the Connecticut Sun on Friday, May 30, in Indianapolis.

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

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