🏀 Liberty Outlast Mystics as Defending Champs Eye the Playoffs

The New York Liberty didn’t need to make a statement against the Washington Mystics, but they did anyway. With the postseason just around the corner, the defending champions leaned on their balance and poise to secure a 75–66 win, showing flashes of the form that carried them to last year’s title.

Jonquel Jones delivered her trademark steadiness, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Emma Meesseman added 19, giving New York another reliable scoring option as the Liberty spread the floor and punished mismatches. This wasn’t a night for gaudy numbers, but rather a reminder of how dangerous this roster can be when multiple pieces click.

For Washington, it was the final chapter of a long season. Rookie KiKi Iriafen gave the Mystics something to smile about, putting up 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her fight stood out on a night where the Mystics struggled to match New York’s early push.

The Liberty seized control in the first half, outscoring Washington 41–26 and never letting the Mystics find rhythm. That cushion became the difference, letting New York dictate tempo and close with confidence.

The Liberty now sit at 25–17 with one game left, a September 11 matchup against the Chicago Sky. Once that’s in the books, the focus shifts entirely to the playoffs — where the champs will wait to see who lines up across from them in the first round. For Washington, the season ends at 16–27, leaving behind flashes of growth but also the challenge of figuring out how to turn potential into progress.