Shakira Austin

Washington Mystics players put their hands together in a huddle. Point guard Natasha Cloud addresses the group.

What’s been going wrong with the Washington Mystics’ defense?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 23, 2023

Once the best defensive team in the WNBA, the Mystics have gotten away from that identity since Shakira Austin’s injury

Washington Mystics forward Tianna Hawkins shoots the ball with her left hand while absorbing contact from behind from Connecticut Sun forward/guard DeWanna Bonner.

As Mystics’ injuries mount, Tianna Hawkins leads frontcourt players who have stepped up

By Jenn Hatfield / July 11, 2023

Hines-Allen and Egbo also delivered big plays on Sunday

Indiana Fever center Queen Egbo holds the ball with two hands on the right side of her head, scanning the court as a Connecticut Sun player defends.

Why acquiring Queen Egbo makes sense for Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / July 4, 2023

Swap of centers sends Amanda Zahui B. to Indiana

Washington Mystics center/forward Shakira Austin holds the ball in front of her at waist height as she warms up for a game. She is wearing a black warm-up shirt that reads, "Own your legacy."

How Shakira Austin’s hip injury changes things for Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / June 27, 2023

‘A huge, huge loss on both sides of the ball’

Shakira Austin puts her arm around Eric Thibault. White letters on orange text read 'big boy pants' in D.C.

Locked on Women’s Basketball: Who’s wearing ‘big boy pants’ in Washington?

By The IX Basketball / June 8, 2023

Alex and Jenn discuss what’s going on in Washington D.C. from the sideline to Shakira Austin

Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin holds the ball above her head as she shoots a jumper, while Connecticut Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa reaches toward her with an outstretch arm to try to contest the shot

Sunday Notes, Week 1: Sun and Sparks are fun, Aces show cracks, Austin and Delle Donne dominate

By Emily Adler / May 28, 2023

Our weekly look around the WNBA also checks on Chicago, Dallas and Seattle

Washington Mystics forward/guard Elena Delle Donne waves to the crowd with both hands as smoke billows out behind her during player introductions.

With a ‘lift and flick,’ Elena Delle Donne continues to dominate for Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 27, 2023

Delle Donne’s back once threatened her career, but she’s making that a distant memory

Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin elevates and shoots the ball with her right hand as Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones closely contests.

Career-high performance shows how Shakira Austin could unlock Mystics’ offense

By Jenn Hatfield / May 22, 2023

‘She’s spinning and shaking and all that stuff’s coming out’

New York Liberty big wing Breanna Stewart dribbles downhill while Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson defends her from the side, in a matchup of WNBA preseason favorites.

The Next’s 2023 WNBA preseason awards and predictions

By Emily Adler / May 18, 2023

MVP, ROY, and a ton of fun off-the-wall questions asked and answered

Washington Mystics players and staff stand in a loose circle at halfcourt and talk at the end of a practice.

2023 WNBA season preview: Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 15, 2023

‘Underdog’ Mystics could challenge WNBA’s superteams with elite defense, improved offense