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Storm vs. Mystics: Seattle Short-Handed but Still Dangerous

Injuries have changed the lineup, but Seattle’s veterans keep pushing as Washington’s rookies try to extend the season.

Edward Blair II

Jul 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
Jul 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images / James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

A Must-Win Feel

The playoff race is tight, and both teams know it. The Seattle Storm (19–18) has picked up two straight road wins and suddenly looks steadier than they did a month ago. Washington (16–21) doesn’t have that cushion.

The Mystics need this one badly. Lose again at home, and the climb back into the picture starts looking impossible.

These clubs have already tangled twice. Washington took both meetings. That should give them confidence, but it also makes this matchup feel like Seattle’s shot at payback.

Seattle enters this matchup with a chip on its shoulder and will not take the Washington Mystics lightly in any form or fashion in this game. They come in feeling they have a lot to prove, not only to their fans back home but also to themselves, being down 2-0 in this series.

Storm’s Season of Setbacks

Seattle hasn’t been whole since opening week. Katie Lou Samuelson, Jordan Horston, and Nika Mühl all suffered ACL tears, wiping out three rotation players. That’s not something you just plug and play around. Still, the Storm haven’t folded. Nneka Ogwumike has been a rock, scoring, rebounding, and just plain leading. Skylar Diggins has handled the ball with her usual poise, creating shots and tempo. Rookie Dominique Malonga has given them rebounding muscle and a little edge inside.

That’s been the story of their season: patch the holes, trust the vets, and let the kids grow up fast.

Mystics Lean on Youth

Washington has injury problems of its own. Georgia Amoore is out with a torn ACL, and Jacy Sheldon is sidelined by an ankle injury. That’s left the Mystics looking at their rookies and saying, “go do it now.” Kiki Iriafen has answered with double-doubles, showing real promise in the paint. Sonia Citron is starting to look like a primary scorer, not just a role player. It’s been uneven, but that’s what happens when you put a young roster on the spot.

Soni
Aug 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) reacts after scoring a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images / Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Matchups and Margin

The Ogwumike–Shakira Austin battle should decide the interior. Diggins against a thin Mystics backcourt feels like another tipping point. And don’t overlook the rookie duel: Malonga vs. Iriafen. Whoever wins the hustle stats might swing momentum.

Nneka
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) contols the ball as Dallas Wings guard Haley Jones (30) defends during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images / Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Shakira Austin
Aug 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Shakira Austin (0) chases down a loose ball against the Las Vegas Aces during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images / Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

The Bottom Line

The books have Seattle favored by nine. That sounds right. Washington has already beaten the Storm twice, but doing it a third time with rookies carrying the load?

Prediction: Seattle 89, Washington 76.

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Edward Blair II
EDWARD BLAIR II

Edward Blair II is a sportscaster, journalist, and multimedia professional covering the Seattle Storm for Sports Illustrated’s On SI platform. He also writes for Illinois On SI and Last Word on College Football, providing coverage of the Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines. Blair is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). He brings a unique voice shaped by years of coaching, podcasting, and content creation across multiple platforms. In addition to his writing, Blair is the host of The Ed Blair Podcast and an intern video editor with Roundtable Sports Network, where he edits NFL content. He also serves as a freelance production assistant with Fox Sports, having worked major events including the IndyCar 500 content week.

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