Sonia Citron is third in the WNBA in clutch shots attempted, and honestly, the rest of the world better take notice. Team USA is chasing a fifth straight FIBA World Cup title, and even as the prohibitive favorite, having Citron on the roster for games through September 13 in Berlin, Germany, gives them a serious edge, especially when things get tight.
She Leads The League In The Shots That Actually Matter
When the game is on the line, the Washington Mystics give the ball to Sonia Citron, and for good reason. She leads *all* players in what Inpredictable calls “clutch squared” shot attempts. We’re talking about those shots that are absolutely crucial to a game’s outcome, the ones like a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that make or break everything. Citron has hit six of those “clutch squared” shots, all of them coming in the final two minutes and one second of the fourth quarter or in overtime. That’s not just good, that’s ice in her veins.
It’s not a fluke either. A massive 17.2 percent of Citron’s total shot attempts are “clutch” shots, and 4.3 percent are “clutch squared.” Both of those figures lead the entire WNBA. Kara Lawson and Team USA might not expect too many close games, being the favorites for a record-extending 12th title, but if they do, you know who has the goods.
Team USA Just Got A Serious Leg Up
Citron, who came in as an injury replacement for Kelsey Plum, brings that undeniable clutch gene. Some players have it, some don’t. She clearly does. This is a huge reason why the Mystics battled their way back into the playoffs. For Team USA, this quality is massive. It gives them another leg up in a tight game, whether it happens in the group stage or the final showdown.
The tournament runs through September 13 in Berlin, Germany, and postseason basketball in the WNBA could totally follow a World Cup win in Germany later this month. Citron was not on the initial 12-player roster, but she could easily be a surprise contributor for Team USA. She’s proved she can deliver when it matters most, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re going for gold.
Team USA starts their pursuit of that fifth consecutive title on Friday. With Sonia Citron’s proven ability to hit those crucial shots when everything is on the line, fans should be absolutely buzzing. Keep an eye on Berlin, because if a game comes down to the wire, you know who Kara Lawson might be looking to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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