Shakira Austin’s dominant rebound performance propelled the Washington Mystics to a narrow two-point victory over the Las Vegas Aces in a tense matchup on May 19, 2023. Throughout the game at Michelob Ultra Arena, Austin’s ability to control the boards became a decisive factor in fueling the Mystics’ late-stage rally, overturning a significant deficit and clinching the win in the final moments.
The Mystics had trailed for much of the night, but Austin’s impressive 16-point output, combined with her six defensive and two offensive rebounds, helped swing momentum in their favor. Her height advantage over the Aces allowed her to secure critical rebounds, especially in the key final seconds when she grabbed an offensive board and converted it into the game-winning basket.
Strategies Behind Austin’s Rebounding Success Amidst the Close Contest
Austin’s effectiveness on the glass did not happen by chance. The Mystics’ game plan centered around using pick-and-roll plays involving Austin and teammate Brittney “Slim” Sykes to generate scoring opportunities and rebounding chances inside. Austin spoke openly about her focus during the moments leading to the crucial rebound, highlighting the team’s encouragement to stay aggressive despite missed attempts.
“I mean we, me and Slim in a pick and roll, is easy money, and I slipped out, got the offensive rebound um positioning and I mean the coaches were just telling me, you know, I was upset about missing the one before and told me I was going to be able to get it back.” —Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics Center
Her persistent positioning and timing allowed her to dominate the interior battle against the shorter Aces squad. Standing 1.96 meters tall, Austin playfully acknowledged her height advantage in post-game remarks, underlining how it impacted the outcome.
“Just being able to keep my head up and finish knowing that nobody around me was really that tall.” —Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics Center
“I was up. Oh, nobody’s here.” —Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics Center
How Austin and Sykes Sparked a Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Turnaround
Before the comeback, the Mystics found themselves trailing by as much as 15 points, with the Aces led by Jewell Lloyd’s 20 points imposing control throughout the game. However, the final quarter revealed the tenacity of Austin and Sykes, who combined for 34 points and ignited a rally that stunned the crowd at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington.
Brittney Sykes contributed crucial scoring and defensive stops during the decisive moments, while teammates like Edwards added timely plays that shifted momentum. Their determination to challenge the Aces’ lead despite the scoreboard was evident in the team’s unyielding effort.
“I mean, we just stick to it. Like it doesn’t matter what the score is, whether we’re up 20, down 20. We’re gonna play hard. We’re gonna play Mrs. Basketball. And coach has helped us lay that foundation of just toughness and grit and just understanding that we will never back down.” —Brittney Sykes, Washington Mystics Guard
The Impact of Height and Team Resilience Against the Aces
Austin’s physical presence under the basket made it difficult for the Aces to contend with rebounds and interior scoring. Her performance underscored the importance of size coupled with skill, particularly during crunch time. This matchup highlighted how strategic rebounding and perseverance can overturn even steep deficits in professional basketball.
The Mystics’ ability to execute their game plan despite early setbacks raises optimism for the team’s prospects moving forward in the season, especially as they face strong opponents in tight contests. The blend of Austin’s height advantage and Sykes’ clutch contributions has proved to be a potent combination capable of dictating game outcomes.
Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for the Mystics
This dramatic comeback victory against the Las Vegas Aces not only boosts team morale but also signals the Mystics’ capacity to rally under pressure. Shakira Austin’s dominant rebound performance emphasizes her critical role in the team’s frontline and sets the tone for future matchups where interior control will be vital.
With coach Sydney Johnson fostering a culture of grit and resilience, the Mystics appear poised to contend deep into the season. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Austin and Sykes can replicate such decisive efforts, turning the Mystics into consistent threats across the WNBA landscape.