Iriafen, Citron fast-tracking Mystics' playoff push

Kiki Iriafen knew the Washington Mystics could be a playoff team from the very beginning.

The rookie forward had a sense of their potential based on the collective mentality they brought into the campaign.

"We've always believed in ourselves, regardless of what (preseason) rankings said, what other people said," Iriafen told reporters, including theScore, during media day at WNBA All-Star Weekend.

"We had such a belief in our core. Everybody was super selfless and bought into the mission that our coach had for us. So I don't think we're surprised at all with the way that we're playing, and we'll only get better in the second half of the season."

Washington has nearly exceeded its win total from a year ago. The team sits one game back of the WNBA's eighth and final playoff spot entering Friday's showdown against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx.

The Mystics selected Sonia Citron and Iriafen with the third and fourth overall picks, respectively, in this year's WNBA draft. Both players have served as major catalysts for the franchise's quick turnaround.

Citron has established herself as an effective 3-and-D guard, knocking down 36.9% of her attempts from deep and routinely taking on the opposition's top perimeter threats. She plays with a cool, calm demeanor and never seems to be frazzled by the moment. Whether it's making a timely pass or backdoor cut, Citron consistently does a great job of reading and reacting to the defense.

Meanwhile, Iriafen's relentless motor has made her a handful on the glass. The 6-foot-3 forward ranks fourth in total boards (238) and broke the Mystics' rookie record for double-doubles in a season. Iriafen's rim-running, face-up jumper, and driving ability give Washington's offense more options.

Citron and Iriafen were rewarded for their strong first half, becoming just the second pair of rookie teammates in league history to be selected as All-Stars.

"It's been amazing going through this with Soni," Iriafen said. "She's like a built-in sister. Built-in best friend. And we truly care about each other. Whenever she's successful, I feel like I'm successful.

"So just doing this whole thing together, I'm not nervous because I'm like, 'If anything goes wrong, I have Soni right next to me.' So I'm excited to be on this journey with her."

Citron and Iriafen have grown close since joining the Mystics organization last April. They sit next to each other on team flights, go out for food on road trips, and make TikTok videos together.

Washington's guard-post tandem have even bonded through their shared love for Afrobeats. Citron has West African roots through her mother, while Iriafen is of Nigerian descent.

Iriafen believes all of the time they've spent together outside of basketball has improved their connection on the court.

"Soni's just super smart," Iriafen said. "Sometimes she sees things that I don't even see. She's (pointing with her eyes) and I'm like, 'What?' And she's like, 'Go backdoor!' But she's just very selfless, and I think our chemistry has gotten better just hanging out off the court."

Georgia Amoore, the No. 6 overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, is also part of the tight-knit group of Mystics rookies. However, the 5-foot-6 point guard has yet to suit up after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury less than a week into training camp.

It was a difficult way to start her career, but Amoore takes solace in the support she's received from Citron and Iriafen.

"They've been the best for me in my rehab process," Amoore said. "They give me a lot of energy. We got drafted (together) and immediately clicked. From there, it's just been wonderful.

"I'm very grateful because a situation like that is very rare to come by. To have such a young core that actually gets along and enjoys each other like that."

Citron and Iriafen say Amoore has been equally helpful as they navigate their own challenges during their first WNBA campaign.

Iriafen described Amoore as the team's "Energizer Bunny," providing constant encouragement throughout games. Meanwhile, Citron appreciates being able to tap into Amoore's perspective from the bench.

"She's still very present with our team," Citron said. "Always there at practice. Always there at games. ... I'll always ask her what she sees during a game and what I can be doing better. But she's definitely still very much part of the team. We don't feel like she's missing a beat."

Amoore recently served as a coach at the third annual Basketball Without Borders Global women's camp hosted by the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA as part of WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

You could see the kind of contributions her teammates credited whenever Amoore pulled a player aside for a quick word, gave directions from the sidelines, or simply cheered her players on.

She said coaching 40 of the top high school-age prospects from outside the United States was a "good opportunity" to step back and see the game through a different lens. The Aussie floor general has approached her first year as a pro in the same manner, observing Iriafen and Citron's playing styles and envisioning how she'll fit alongside the dynamic duo.

"I've been watching a lot of Kiki. It's always good when you have a post-guard connection like that," Amoore said. "I've played against Sonia for three years (in college), so I know what she likes. I know she's a great cutter. I know that she just goes with the flow and attacks when needed.

"I'm super excited to be able to eventually play with them. ... It's just a point guard's job to figure it out and be an addition rather than just being out there with them. To elevate each other."

All three rookies credit first-year head coach Sydney Johnson for making their transition to the WNBA as smooth as possible.

Johnson's attention to detail and passion for the game reminds Amoore of her college coach, Kenny Brooks. The Kentucky product finds it easy to communicate with Johnson and appreciates the way he keeps her engaged as she continues to rehab.

Iriafen admires the way Johnson prioritizes their mental health. He's gotten to know each of his players on a personal basis and regularly checks in to make sure they're OK.

Johnson has taught Citron that each win and loss isn't the be-all and end-all that it might've been in college.

The young Mystics have adopted that mindset, and it's helped them stay grounded in their pursuit of a postseason berth and success beyond this year.

"He's a coach that truly never gets too high or too low. I really love that about him just because you don't really know what's going on as a rookie. ... He's really the one that we follow when we have a bad loss or great win," Citron said. "I think it really helps just seeing him be so level-headed and calm."