Washington Mystics Adjust Rotation Following Defeat Against Dallas Wings

The Washington Mystics altered their frontcourt rotation during a 92-69 loss against the Dallas Wings on Monday, as rookie center Lauren Betts recorded 11 points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action off the bench.

Betts and starting center Shakira Austin, who scored 12 points, were the only players for Washington to finish the game with double-figure scoring performances.

The physical adjustment from the collegiate level to professional basketball remains a primary focus for the newly drafted center during the early stages of the WNBA season.

“Every single game is just very, very competitive. I mean, I’m playing against the best every day,” said Lauren Betts, Washington Mystics Center. “So just showing up mentally ready to compete. Obviously, everyone’s a lot more physical and it’s a lot faster than college. So, I think just trying to adjust to the style of play and trusting myself. Still playing my game while also just trying to learn my teammates and gain chemistry with them. But I think just staying present and trying to get better every single day and learning, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

The baseline metrics for Betts changed significantly following her selection as the fourth overall pick after she led UCLA to an NCAA title in April while averaging 21 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Head coach Sydney Johnson currently utilizes Betts in a secondary role behind Austin, who currently ranks seventh in the WNBA with 8.5 rebounds per game after Washington matched a restricted free agency offer sheet from the Toronto Tempo.

Managing the frontcourt distribution between Betts, Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Angela Dugalic presents a tactical challenge for the coaching staff four games into the season.

“I think our frontcourt is a strength, and it’s a challenge to get everybody out there because they’re all good,” said Sydney Johnson, Washington Mystics Head Coach. “Kiki and Kira are really, really good; they’re gonna play. Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic are really, really good; they’re gonna play. As we work through the season, we’re gonna get them the minutes. I want to see growth and development from all of them. We’re not gonna get too high or low in terms of our minutes, we’re four games in. There’s opportunity for all of them, and I’m fully committed to that.”

The current lineup construction represents an ongoing roster rebuild for Washington, which finished the 2025 season near the bottom of the league standings with a 16-28 record.