Shakira Austin’s career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds powered the Washington Mystics to a 105-100 comeback win over the Portland Fire on Sunday, August 23.
The Washington Mystics (22-15) rallied from a 14-point deficit to defeat the Portland Fire (15-22) 105-100 on Sunday, August 23 at Portland. Shakira Austin delivered a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds, and Georgia Amoore sealed the win with two free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining. The Mystics’ comeback was the decisive factor, erasing a double-digit lead on the road.
Mystics’ Rally Led by Austin’s Career Night
Shakira Austin was the focal point of Washington’s offense, scoring a career-high 31 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double. Her aggressive play in the paint helped the Mystics chip away at Portland’s lead throughout the second half. Sonia Citron added 6 assists, orchestrating the offense and finding Austin in rhythm. The Mystics, who dropped a 94-84 decision to Minnesota on August 21, bounced back with a resilient performance on the road. With three players out—Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin—Washington relied on its core to deliver in crunch time.
Fire’s Leite Shines in Losing Effort
Carla Leite was the engine for Portland, posting a double-double with 27 points and 11 assists. Her playmaking kept the Fire competitive until the final possession, as she consistently created scoring opportunities for herself and teammates. Emily Engstler led the team on the glass with 6 rebounds. Despite the loss, Portland showed offensive firepower, but a late-game collapse proved costly. The Fire, who also lost to Toronto on Friday, 82-79, have now dropped two straight. With Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin all out, Portland’s rotation is thin, and closing out games has become a pressing issue.
Turning Point: Mystics Erase 14-Point Deficit
The game shifted in the third quarter when Washington mounted a sustained run to erase Portland’s 14-point lead. Austin’s scoring surge, combined with improved defensive pressure, flipped the momentum. The Mystics out-executed the Fire down the stretch, with Amoore’s free throws with 4.2 seconds left providing the final margin. Portland, which had controlled the tempo early, could not regain its footing as Washington’s defense tightened in the closing minutes.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Mystics, the win improves their record to 22-15 and reinforces their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Austin’s emergence as a reliable scoring threat gives Washington a clear focal point on offense. They next travel to Phoenix to face the Mercury (13-24) on Tuesday, August 26. For the Fire, the loss drops them to 15-22, and they remain fifth in the Western Conference. Portland must address its late-game execution as they head to Dallas to face the Wings (22-16) on Tuesday. Both teams are shorthanded, making depth and resilience critical as the regular season winds down.
- Shakira Austin: career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds for Washington
- Carla Leite: 27 points, 11 assists for Portland
- Georgia Amoore: hit two free throws with 4.2 seconds left to seal the win
- Mystics erased a 14-point deficit on the road
- Both teams have three players listed as out
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