The Dream beat the Mystics 92–77 in Game 1 despite Shakira Austin’s 12 points and 16 rebounds

Game story

Shakira Austin could not save the Mystics with 12 points and 16 rebounds on 4-of-11 shooting (0-of-1 from three), 4-of-6 at the line in 34 minutes as the Atlanta Dream beat the Washington Mystics 92–77 on Sunday, September 27. Game 1 of the first round: the Dream lead the best-of-three series 1–0 and are one win from advancing, while the Mystics now face elimination.

Game Highlights

Washington Mystics vs. Atlanta Dream | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | September 27, 2026

Mystics77FinalDream92 Play highlights

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Who stood out

Shakira Austin: 12 points and 16 rebounds on 4-of-11 shooting (0-of-1 from three), 4-of-6 at the line in 34 minutes, a -14 in her minutes. By the observed shot locations, 2-of-6 at the rim, 1-of-2 from midrange and 1-of-2 in the paint outside the restricted area. She entered averaging 9.5 rebounds this season; this finish was 6.5 above that mark. She had averaged 9.2 over her previous 10, putting this game 6.8 above that recent pace.

How it happened

It did not start that way: the Mystics led 26–21 after one quarter and by as many as 11. The third quarter was the swing — the Dream won it 29–12 — and the Mystics led 41–36 at halftime. The game had four lead changes; the Dream’s largest lead was 17.

The Dream’s bench outscored the Mystics’, 17–9.

The Dream made 31-76 from the field (41%) and 5-21 from three; the Mystics 28-68 (41%). Turnovers ran 7–23, and points off turnovers 4–27 in the Mystics’ favor — the margin came from shooting, not possession control. Rebounds went 31–50, points in the paint 50–42.

What it means

A reason to be cautious about carrying this game forward: the Dream gave up more points off turnovers than they scored, 27–4. One game is still one game.

The Dream came into the series as the No. 4 seed and the Mystics as the No. 5; the higher seed held serve.

Next up: NY at ATL on Oct 4 (no market capture yet) — and the Liberty allow 86.4 a game, 9th-most of 15. Player props enter the board inside 36 hours of tip.