Right as the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years, the Washington Mystics made major history Saturday when the team battled through a marathon four-overtime showdown before sealing a 124-123 victory against the Portland Fire.
“This [game] is history and a new one for me,” said head coach Sydney Johnson. “We talk a lot about our players and how a good number of them are going through firsts — I was right there with them. I’ve never experienced this that I can think of. But I loved the resiliency. Both teams played unbelievably hard. I have to give credit to Portland as well… I thought our Mystics were outstanding just in terms of never quitting.”
This contest tied the WNBA record for the longest game ever played, marking the second four-overtime game played in the league, and fittingly, as the Mystics franchise has been part of both unforgettable battles. The first historic four-overtime game occurred on July 3, 2001, when Washington defeated the Seattle Storm 72-69.
“We just felt like we really wanted this game,” said forward Michaela Onyenwere. “It was so close at the end, I was like, ‘Why not go and get it?’… I’m really proud of us for staying down and keeping our heads up.”
Guard Sonia Citron delivered the game-winning shot with 21.4 seconds left in the fourth overtime, capping one of the most historic and memorable games in WNBA history that lifted Washington to a thrilling one-point victory. Citron led the charge for Washington, recording a career-high of 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, continuing her impressive campaign this season.
Washington’s victory was also fueled by career-high performances from forward Michaela Onyenwere, who poured in 30 points, and forward Kiki Iriafen, who notched her seventh double-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
After an exhausting four-overtime classic, the Washington Mystics earned every bit of recovery, and they continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
“For such a young team, the best way to learn is just going through it,” Citron said. “I think early on in the season we had a lot of games that went into [overtime] that were decided by one or two possessions, and I think that all of that just helps us be better. Obviously it’s nice that we won, but just take this lesson and go forward. We’ll just be better for it in the end.”
