Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin has emerged as one of the WNBA’s top performers in 2026, showcasing a breakout season that has turned heads across the league. In 16 games since July 2, the 26-year-old has averaged 20.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks, according to ESPN Stats and Information. The only other player in the league averaging at least 20 points and nine rebounds in the same span is Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, a four-time MVP.

Austin’s Rising Profile

Despite not yet earning an All-Star nod since entering the WNBA in 2022, Austin’s confidence has remained unwavering — she told Andscape, “I just know the type of player that I can be. I look around the league, and I don’t see anybody else that can do what I do, and I’ve always felt like that.” Her strong play has begun to validate her self-belief and attract attention from analysts and fans alike.

Washington Mystics’ Offensive Struggles

While Austin’s individual success is notable, the Mystics as a team have struggled offensively this season. According to Covers.com, the Mystics rank last in the WNBA in scoring, averaging just 81.9 points per game, compared to the league-leading 92.2 points per game by the Minnesota Lynx. The Mystics also rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency and turnover management, averaging 15.9 turnovers per game, and Covers.com predicts that the Mystics’ struggles will continue as they face a Minnesota defense that ranks second in steal rate at 9.7%.

WNBA in South Korea: A New Chapter for Korean Players

Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics will face Korean audiences when they take on the Los Angeles Sparks in a game set to be broadcast exclusively in South Korea on Coupang Play. The Mystics’ game on May 30 marks the first of two matches featuring Korean coverage, with the second being a matchup against the Connecticut Sun on May 31. The Mystics game will be covered by analysts Son Dae-beom and Han Jang-hui, while the Sun game will be handled by analysts Cho Hyun-ill and Chae Min-jun.

South Korean guard Park Ji-hyun, who joined the Sparks in April as the third Korean to play in the WNBA, has drawn attention for her rapid adaptation. Park, who led Korea to a World Cup qualifier victory with 22 points against Nigeria, has earned consecutive starts with the Sparks, and her performances include notable contributions in rebounding, assists, and steals in her early games.

The Mystics have seen mixed results in recent matchups — On June 21, 2026, they defeated the Minnesota Lynx 84-79 in a tightly contested game; the scoreline, however, masks broader trends in the league. The Mystics, while showing flashes of potential, remain one of the more inconsistent teams in the WNBA. Covers.com highlights the Lynx as the favorites to win the 2026 title due to their offensive depth and strong three-point shooting (39.4% from beyond the arc).

With Austin continuing to elevate her game, the Mystics remain in the mix for a playoff spot but face an uphill battle to climb the standings. The team’s future may hinge on how well it can balance Austin’s offensive output with improved team defense and ball control.