Shakira Austin Leads Mystics Past Fire, 105-100

Washington Mystics 105, Portland Fire 100: Shakira Austin led all scorers with 31 points and collected 10 rebounds as Washington came away with a road win Sunday at Moda Center, closing with a 40-point fourth quarter to turn a five-point deficit entering the period into a five-point final margin.

The Mystics improved to 22-15 by finishing strong after Portland carried a 70-65 lead into the fourth. Carla Leite delivered 27 points and 11 assists for the Fire, but Washington’s edge on the glass and at the free-throw line helped shape the result.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Portland Fire 23, Washington Mystics 18

Portland established an early five-point advantage, putting up 23 points in the opening period while holding Washington to 18. The Fire’s efficient perimeter shooting helped them begin the game in front.

Second Quarter: Washington Mystics 29, Portland Fire 26

Washington answered with its most productive first-half quarter, outscoring Portland 29-26. Even after that response, the Fire held a 49-47 lead at halftime.

Third Quarter: Portland Fire 21, Washington Mystics 18

The Fire extended their advantage slightly after intermission, winning the third quarter 21-18. Portland entered the final 10 minutes ahead 70-65, with the home side positioned to protect the lead.

Fourth Quarter: Washington Mystics 40, Portland Fire 30

Washington took control in the final period, scoring 40 points to Portland’s 30. The Mystics’ 10-point fourth-quarter advantage erased the deficit and delivered the five-point road result without overtime.

Key Performers

Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics

Austin was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points and completed a double-double with 10 rebounds. Her production gave Washington a consistent interior presence while the Mystics worked back from their third-quarter deficit.

Carla Leite, Portland Fire

Leite paced Portland with 27 points and a game-high 11 assists. She accounted for more than half of the Fire’s 21 assists and led an offense that made 13 three-pointers.

Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Citron led Washington with six assists, helping the Mystics record 22 as a team. Her playmaking supported a balanced effort in which Washington converted 54.1% of its field-goal attempts.

NerdSports Stat: Washington made three fewer field goals than Portland, 33 to 36, but still won by five because the Mystics held a 32-15 advantage in made free throws and a 38-25 edge in rebounds.

Game Analysis

The Mystics found several ways to offset Portland’s high-volume perimeter success. The Fire shot 46.4% from three-point range and made 13 triples, compared with seven for Washington, but the Mystics were more efficient overall from the field at 54.1%.

Free throws were also a major separator. Washington converted 32 of 44 attempts, while Portland was perfect on 15 attempts but had far fewer opportunities. That 17-point difference at the line, combined with Washington’s 13-rebound advantage, gave the visitors enough margin to overcome Portland’s 36 made field goals.

Portland’s offense was productive for much of the afternoon, particularly through Leite’s scoring and distribution. But Washington’s 40-point fourth quarter was the defining stretch, turning a five-point deficit into a 105-100 final.

Closing Context

The victory moved the Mystics to 22-15 overall and 9-8 on the road, while the Fire fell to 15-22 and 8-11 at home. Washington next visits the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, August 25, while Portland hosts the Dallas Wings later that day. No season-series implications were listed in the provided game details.

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