Shakira Austin has scored more than 20 points in four of the Washington Mystics’ last five games, and she’s a big reason why the team has won six in a row.

Austin and the Mystics (18-12) aim to stay hot on Sunday afternoon when they host the Phoenix Mercury (12-21).

Austin collected 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Mystics in their 79-74 win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday. She is averaging 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Austin talked after the game about what has helped her find success lately.

“Just getting in my spots, knowing when there are mismatches, knowing when there are different types of ways to attack depending on the post players. Usually when they are smaller, I keep it simple,” Austin said.

“It’s (also) really knowing there is going to be a mismatch almost every time and just making the right reads.”

The Mercury are trying to right the ship after dropping two in a row, including a 75-72 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Friday. The setback to the Sun came in the face of a 25-point performance from Kelsey Plum, who was traded to Phoenix from Los Angeles. She has led the Mercury in scoring in each of the last two games in her new uniform.

That doesn’t surprise head coach Nate Tibbetts. Plum is a five-time All-Star; she is averaging 23.4 points and 5.9 assists per contest.

“The great thing about KP is she has played around great players, her being in Vegas and (with) the USA team, and obviously in LA,” Tibbetts said Friday night in a postgame press conference. “She’s a natural fit. She is super smart. She loves the game and I think it’s going to open up a lot for (for us).”

The contest between the Mystics and Mercury marks the end of a six-game homestand for Washington, which hasn’t lost during it.

The Mercury are set to play their fourth consecutive road game. THey currently are 1-2 on the trip.

–Field Level Media