The Washington Mystics defeated the Chicago Sky 101-93 on September 24, 2026, in their regular-season finale. The victory solidified Washington’s position as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, while Chicago concluded a challenging campaign with a fifth-place finish.
The Washington Mystics concluded their 2026 regular-season campaign with a decisive 101-93 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday, September 24. Played at home in Washington, D.C., the result secured the Mystics the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference Division, setting up a first-round playoff matchup against the Atlanta Dream. For the Sky, who finished 16-28 and placed fifth in their division, the loss marked the end of a season defined by significant roster challenges and injury setbacks.
Washington Mystics Secure Playoff Position
Washington (28-16) entered the final game with momentum, looking to solidify their standing before the postseason began. The Mystics relied heavily on the dual performances of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to dismantle the Sky’s defense. Citron was the offensive engine for Washington, leading all scorers with 21 points while also orchestrating the flow of the game with 5 assists. Her efficiency was complemented by Iriafen, who dominated the interior and the glass, recording 16 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds.
The combination of Citron’s scoring and Iriafen’s rebounding created insurmountable pressure on Chicago’s back line. Washington’s ability to control the boards and convert high-percentage shots allowed them to maintain a lead throughout the contest. The win not only ended the regular season on a positive note but also confirmed their status as one of the top two teams in the East, giving them favorable seeding for the upcoming playoff bracket.
Sky’s Resilience Hampered by Absences
Chicago (16-28) faced a daunting task in their season finale, playing without six key contributors due to injury. Shakira Austin, DiJonai Carrington, Aicha Coulibaly, Azura Stevens, Natasha Cloud, and Skylar Diggins were all listed as “Out” for the game. This extensive absence stripped the Sky of much of its depth and defensive versatility, forcing the remaining players to carry a heavier load against a playoff-bound opponent.
Despite the depleted roster, Kamilla Cardoso provided a bright spot for Chicago, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot managed the offense effectively, dishing out 7 assists to keep the Sky competitive for stretches. Earlier in the week, the Sky had snapped a five-game losing streak with a 97-85 win over the Toronto Tempo, showing signs of life with contributions from Gabriela Jaquez and Sydney Taylor. However, that momentum did not translate to Washington, where the lack of available talent ultimately proved too great an obstacle to overcome.
Turning Point: Interior Dominance
The decisive factor in the game was Washington’s control of the paint and the second-chance opportunities generated by Kiki Iriafen. With 15 rebounds, Iriafen ensured that Chicago could not establish consistent rhythm on the offensive glass. Simultaneously, Sonia Citron’s 21-point performance prevented any potential comeback attempts by the Sky. The Mystics’ ability to score efficiently while limiting Chicago to lower-percentage shots created a gap that widened as the game progressed. By the fourth quarter, Washington’s lead was sufficient to withstand any late pushes from a Sky team fighting through personnel limitations.
What It Means Next
The implications of this regular-season finale are starkly different for both franchises. For Washington, the victory finalized their path to the playoffs. As the No. 2 seed, they will travel to face the No. 1 seed Atlanta Dream (30-14) in the first round. That series is scheduled to tip off on September 27, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The semifinals are set to begin on October 4, with the WNBA Finals opening on October 17.
For Chicago, the focus now shifts entirely to evaluation and rebuilding. With the regular season concluded and no immediate games scheduled, the organization will assess its roster amidst the injury concerns that plagued the latter half of the year. The Sky’s fifth-place finish highlights the gap between them and the league’s elite, setting the stage for strategic planning for the 2027 season.
- Playoff Bracket Set: Washington advances as the No. 2 seed to face the Atlanta Dream in the first round.
- Key Performers: Sonia Citron (21 points, 5 assists) and Kiki Iriafen (16 points, 15 rebounds) led Washington.
- Sky Challenges: Six key players, including Skylar Diggins and Natasha Cloud, were out with injuries.
- Season Records: Washington finished 28-16; Chicago concluded at 16-28.
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