The Washington Mystics secured a dramatic victory on Sunday, defeating the Portland Fire 124-123 in a grueling four-overtime battle that matched the longest game ever played in Women's National Basketball Association history.
Sonia Citron emerged as the hero for Washington, posting a career-high 32 points in the marathon contest. The forward's defining moment came with just 21.4 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime period, when she converted the basket that gave the Mystics their final lead and ultimately secured the victory.
The extraordinary length of the contest places it alongside only one other game in WNBA annals. Four overtime periods represent the absolute limit of endurance and competitive intensity, requiring both teams to dig deep into their reserves of stamina and mental fortitude.
For Citron, the performance represents a significant milestone in her professional career. Her previous career high now stands eclipsed by this 32-point outburst, achieved under the most demanding circumstances possible. The timing of her decisive basket demonstrated both skill and composure under extreme pressure.
The single-point margin of victory underscores how evenly matched these two teams proved to be throughout the extended contest. Neither squad could establish separation during regulation or the subsequent overtime periods, leading to the historic duration of play.
The Mystics' ability to prevail in such a demanding game speaks to the depth of their roster and their conditioning. Games extending to four overtimes test every aspect of a team's preparation, from physical endurance to strategic adjustments to emotional resilience.
This victory adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these franchises and provides Washington with momentum as the season progresses. For fans who witnessed the contest, whether in person or via broadcast, the four-overtime thriller will stand as one of the most memorable games of the 2026 campaign.
