Can ’Kitron’ win the race to # 8…and maybe make History along the way ?!

Jordan Orea
Aug 29
2 min read

The Race for No. 8

The second half of the WNBA season is underway and it will feature tightly contested matchups. Three teams stand out: the Washington Mystics (10), Los Angeles Sparks (9), and Seattle Storm (8). The Mystics surprised everyone, led by two rookie All-Star starters who have made a major impact. As the August 7th trade deadline passed, the Mystics dealt guard Brittany Sykes (2026 All-Star) to the Storm for forward Alysha Clark and Seattle’s 2026 first-round pick. Additionally, the Storm sent Zia Cooke to Washington, but she was immediately waived and re-signed by Seattle. The league remains unpredictable as ever.

Seattle’s Post-Trade Struggles

Since this trade, Seattle has taken a bit of a tumble, going 5-9 since acquiring Sykes. She is currently averaging 14.7 pts, 4.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. It seems like they’re trying to find their rhythm and the right rotations for her to fit into. With playoffs around the corner and some tough competition over their last 9 games, we’ll have to wait to see if Sykes' dreams of getting to the WNBA championship will live on into the postseason. Over the last nine games, the Storm will face four of the top seven teams, which could crush their postseason dreams if they don’t find their flow.

Mystics Lean on Fire & Ice

The Mystics have gone 3-3 since the trade. Alysha Clark provided a seamless veteran presence, filling the leadership void left by Sykes. Washington remains optimistic as the rookie duo Fire & Ice—KiKi Iriafen and Sonia Citron—continue their breakout season. Despite sitting at #10, the Mystics face a tough playoff path, including games against Indiana, Phoenix, Golden State, and New York twice. If any rookies can do it, it’s Fire & Ice. KiKi has set records this season for rebounds and double-doubles. Let me explain:

KiKi Iriafen: Breaking Records

KiKi broke Chamique Holdsclaw’s 26-year franchise rookie records for rebounds and double-doubles, surpassing 247 rebounds in 30 games and notching seven double-doubles before the All-Star break. She also became the fastest franchise rookie to reach 50 points and 50 rebounds in five games, as well as 100 points and 80 rebounds.

Sonia Citron: Stepping Into History

Sonia Citron set a franchise record with 14 consecutive games scoring 10+ points, contributed to the season’s rookie double-double record, and leads all rookies in 20+ point, 10-rebound games. She recently surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw’s franchise rookie points record, finishing with 537 points in 35 games. These accomplishments have solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor in the league. The question remains whether ‘KiTron’ could become the league’s first Co-Rookies of the Year. Regardless of the outcome, the Mystics’ rookie duo has established a strong foundation for the future.