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Mystics Beat Fire in Historic 4OT Game, Tie WNBA Longest Match Record

ESPN General •
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Washington Mystics secured a dramatic 124-123 victory over Portland in a record-tying 4OT game, etching their name into WNBA history. Sonia Citron delivered a career-high 32 points, including the decisive basket with 21.4 seconds remaining, to clinch the win. The match, which lasted 3 hours, 35 minutes, matched the longest game in league history—a four-overtime clash from 2001. With 247 combined points, it ranks as the second-highest scoring game ever, trailing only a playoff contest. The Mystics’ 9-9 season record now includes five wins decided by three points or fewer, the most in WNBA history. The game featured 21 ties and 12 lead changes, showcasing relentless back-and-forth action. Portland’s Carla Leite led with 32 points, including a clutch 3-pointer to force overtime, while Michaela Onyenwere added 30 points for Washington. Eight players logged 45-plus minutes, a WNBA record for a single game.

The Mystics’ performance highlighted their scoring depth, as three players eclipsed 27 points—a first in franchise history. Citron and Onyenwere became the first duo to each tally 30+ points in a single game, underscoring their offensive prowess. The Fire, despite Leite’s heroics, struggled in the third quarter, allowing Washington to turn a 6-point deficit into a late lead. The game’s marathon nature tested endurance, with eight players pushing through extreme minutes. This victory solidifies Washington’s reputation for resilience, particularly in tight contests. The 30+ point output from key players also signals a shift in their offensive strategy, relying on star power rather than balanced scoring.

Citron’s career-high 32 points and Onyenwere’s 30-point effort are not just personal milestones but team-defining performances. Their ability to sustain high-scoring efforts over four overtime periods speaks to their mental toughness. For the Mystics, this win reinforces their status as a competitive force, especially in high-stakes, prolonged games. The Fire, meanwhile, face challenges in maintaining consistency, as their 8-12 record reflects struggles in close matches. The game’s record-breaking aspects—247 points, four overtimes, and eight players over 45 minutes—will likely be studied as benchmarks for future WNBA matchups. While the Mystics’ 5 close-game wins this season are impressive, sustaining this level of competitiveness will require continuity, particularly with Georgia Amoore sidelined by knee soreness. This victory, though historic, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and endurance required in the WNBA’s most grueling contests.