Shakira Austin scores 27 to rally Mystics past Storm

Shakira Austin helped the Washington Mystics rally in the fourth quarter to claim an 84-79 home win over the Seattle Storm.

The Mystics had to overcome a consistent deficit and a career game from Seattle guard Natisha Hiedeman, who finished with 31 points.

Washington trailed 70-64 after a Jordan Horston jumper with 8:52 to play, but the Mystics went on a 16-4 run over the next five minutes, which included eight points from Austin, featuring an old-fashioned 3-point play and a 3-pointer.

Seattle then pulled within 82-79 on a pair of Dominique Malonga free throws with 51.1 seconds left. With a chance to tie on the ensuing possession, the Storm committed their 20th turnover of the game and ninth of the fourth quarter, allowing Washington to salt away the victory after a pair of Sonia Citron free throws.

Washington (11-10) was led by Austin, who racked up 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting, while grabbing five boards. Newly chosen All-Star Citron returned from a two-game absence due to a minor knee ailment with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

Kiki Iriafen, also headed to the All-Star Game, added 12 points and 13 rebounds. Rookie Lauren Betts added 11 points, with seven coming in the second half.

Seattle (6-19) led by nine points in the first quarter and held the lead for most of the game, led by Hiedeman's career-high 31 on 14-for-24 shooting. The eighth-year pro eclipsed her prior career best in the third quarter but scored just four points in the final quarter.

All-Star Malonga battled foul trouble with 10 points and 15 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. No other Storm player reached double figures in points.

Washington next travels to Toronto on Tuesday to face the Tempo, while Seattle heads to Chicago on Wednesday to play the Sky.

--Field Level Media