There’s something different about Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen, and the WNBA is taking notice.
Just six games into her pro career, the former Stanford and USC standout is turning heads in a way that demands attention. Averaging a double-double to start your WNBA journey? That’s not just impressive, it’s historic. And that’s exactly what Iriafen is doing, earning her a seat at a table that’s been reserved for legends like Candace Parker and Tina Charles.
Kiki Iriafen: A Rookie on a Mission
It’s not just about the numbers, rather, it’s how Iriafen has been getting them. While Washington has been dealing with injuries to Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards, Iriafen hasn’t just filled a gap. She’s taken over the paint.
Averaging 14.2 points and 10.7 rebounds through her first six games, she has posted four straight double-doubles. That kind of consistency is rare for anyone, especially a rookie on a team still trying to find its chemistry.
And let’s be real, it’s not just the stats. It’s the vibes. The 6-foot-4 forward plays with a high motor, elite finishing around the rim, and relentless hustle. She’s become the player that the teammates trust in transition and the one who sets the tone on both ends.
Rookies in WNBA history to average a double-double through first 6 games:
Kiki Iriafen Tina Charles Candace Parker Cheryl Ford Natalie Williams Yolanda Griffith
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 29, 2025
The cherry on top? That short list of rookies who have averaged a double-double through six games is a small list — Charles, Parker, Cheryl Ford, Natalie Williams, Yolanda Griffith. And now, Iriafen.
It’s an elite group. And with all the buzz around Caitlin Clark dominating headlines, it’s Iriafen who’s quietly doing the dirty work and making history along the way.
Dominance in the Paint and a Star in the Making
When the Mystics faced off with the Indiana Fever, all eyes were on the matchup in the paint. With Clark sidelined because of a quad injury, Indiana leaned on Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard.
But it was Iriafen who stole the show. She outworked and outplayed both Boston and Howard. Boston managed only 10 points on five shots. Howard had 11 points but turned the ball over five times. Meanwhile, Iriafen did what she’s done all season: attack the glass, finish strong, and make her presence felt.
Even during a losing streak that ended with the win over the Fever, Washington has discovered something special. Sure, the frontcourt is loaded. But Iriafen’s mix of physicality and finesse gives the Mystics a unique weapon, something real to build around.
For a team looking ahead to the future, Iriafen is the kind of player you can trust to lead the way. With each game, she’s not just making her mark on the box score, but also setting the tone for what the Mystics can become.