• The Mystics are implementing a new fast-paced offense focused on three-pointers and layups, but consistency remains a challenge.
• A point guard competition is ongoing between Sug Sutton and Jade Melbourne, each with their strengths and weaknesses.
• Injuries to Shakira Austin, Aaliyah Edwards, and Georgia Amoore pose early-season concerns for the Mystics' roster depth.

The Washington Mystics concluded their preseason schedule with losses to the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream, providing insights into the team's progress and challenges. The team is adopting a new, fast-paced offensive system under coach Sydney Johnson, but consistency remains an issue. A competition is underway at the point guard position, and injuries are already impacting the roster. The Mystics are aiming to establish a strong defensive identity while integrating several new players into the lineup.

• What: The Washington Mystics played two preseason games, losing to the Indiana Fever (79-74 in overtime) and the Atlanta Dream (80-70).
• Who: Key figures include coach Sydney Johnson, veteran players Brittney Sykes, Sug Sutton, and Jade Melbourne, and rookies Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore.
• When: The preseason games took place on Saturday (vs. Fever) and Wednesday (vs. Dream) before the start of the regular season. The article was published May 3, 2025.
• Where: The games were held in Indianapolis (vs. Fever) and at CareFirst Arena (vs. Dream).

The Mystics' preseason performance reveals a team in transition. The implementation of a new offensive system under Coach Johnson shows promise, but the team struggles with consistency and turnovers. The point guard competition between Sutton and Melbourne adds another layer of complexity as the team seeks stability in that crucial position. The injuries to key players like Austin and Amoore present significant challenges to the team's depth and overall prospects for the upcoming season. The success of the Mystics will depend on how quickly they can adapt to the new system, improve their ball security, and overcome the challenges posed by early-season injuries.

I feel so, so welcomed to the league. I’m just trying to defend my person and, clearly, I didn’t see her. She’s a big, strong woman. So, she definitely got me good.

We have babies, so they’re learning.

I thought we were moving in slow motion the entire first quarter. We just did not have our pace and our intent and our passion. And so that affected everything. … I thought the second, third, fourth quarter was more like us.

That’s the biggest thing — just stopping the ball. Keeping it in front of us … getting in the gaps and just understanding whatever team we’re playing, those defensive schemes. I feel like switching in general … it’s something of [an] emergency, not something of convenience.

Most teams want to play fast, so on the inverse side as a defense, we want to slow them down. On offense, players want to be comfortable so they can get their shots. We want to make people uncomfortable.

I just feel like it’s going to be back and forth between the two of them. And what I love is they compete. But then, as soon as we break the huddle, it’s all love. That’s like a pro attitude between the two of them.

The biggest thing is Coach Johnson just told me to slow down. I feel like sometimes I get so excited, so I’m moving faster than I need to. So he told me to just let the game come to me, and I feel like once I did that ... that’s when good things happen for me rather than forcing it.

I’m optimistic about having her with us this season. Honestly, I don’t want to jinx her. I’m hoping it’s the first game, but I don’t have a crystal ball.

The Washington Mystics' preseason offered a glimpse into the team's future, characterized by a new offensive philosophy, developing defensive principles, and a competition for the starting point guard role. Injuries to key players present an early challenge, but the performance of rookies like Citron and Iriafen provides optimism. As the regular season approaches, the Mystics will focus on improving consistency and solidifying their roster.