The Washington Mystics are heading into the 2026 WNBA Playoffs with a supporting cast so deep and talented, it’s making them a seriously dangerous contender. While every team in the WNBA boasts incredible talent, the Mystics’ bench has a vibe and chemistry that’s just different, and their roster is loaded up and down with proven players. Outside of their core Big 3,Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen,there are five crucial Mystics who could step up as the X-factor on any given night.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: The Veteran Spark You Didn’t See Coming
Let’s talk about Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Yeah, her 4.7 points and 16.2 minutes per game are the lowest among these key five, but don’t let that fool you. The Mystics grabbed her off waivers not just for a veteran presence, but because she’s a seriously talented player who knows how to win. She’s the only other former All-Star on the roster besides Citron and Iriafen, snagging that nod back in 2021. And at 32, she’s still got the game. That 2021 season was the last time she was fully healthy and asked to be a star. After playing just nine games in 2022, her offense took a backseat when the New York Liberty brought in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. She then missed all of 2025, essentially being left off the court by the Liberty.
Her lack of a second All-Star appearance has absolutely zero to do with an age-related dip. In fact, she’s the oldest player on DC’s roster by about six years. (Michaela Onyenwere just turned 27, and Betnijah turns 33 on October 29.) Laney-Hamilton has been the veteran guide the Mystics expected, and she’s embracing her legit role, getting real playing time, and leading the squad. While she hasn’t hit double figures in scoring yet, her seven assists last Thursday showed she’s a willing passer, and that might be exactly what this team needs. Plus, she’s got plenty of scoring in her bag if they ever need her to unleash it.
Michaela Onyenwere: From Scoring Spree to Playoff Force
Then there’s Michaela Onyenwere, who was absolutely on fire earlier this season. She was averaging a career-high 10.1 points per game, highlighted by an absolutely ridiculous 30-point explosion where she drained 6-for-9 from downtown! Seriously, I said she was on the brink of becoming a star back then, and that potential hasn’t gone anywhere. Sure, her scoring average has dipped a bit to 8.9 points since, but that kind of explosive talent is still in her. She just recently turned 27, so she’s got youth and big-game experience on her side.
So, what does this mean for the Mystics? With players like Laney-Hamilton providing veteran guidance and Onyenwere bringing that offensive firepower, this supporting cast is truly something special. Can they power the Mystics out of the first round and into the semifinals? You better believe it. Their playoff journey is going to be one to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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