Mystics' Shakira Austin is healthy at last and powering Washington's playoff push originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Washington Mystics faced low expectations entering 2026.Still in the early stages of a rebuild, the youthful Mystics hoped that fifth-year big Shakira Austin would shake off some injury woes as All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen continued to grow. Another lottery pick in the loaded 2027 draft wouldn't necessarily have been frowned upon -- and after general manager Jamila Wideman was dismissed in April, questions about Washington's direction seemed legitimate.The Mystics have forcefully answered those questions.MORE:Washington Mystics make stunning leap to No. 2 in latest WNBA power rankingsWashington enters Wednesday night's game against the Dallas Wings with a 16-12 record. Buoyed by an elite defense, the Mystics have the eighth and final playoff spot, with an impressive five-game advantage over the Los Angeles Sparks in ninth.It is no coincidence then that ESPN considers Austin a prime candidate to win Most Improved Player honors at season's end."This is the season Austin has been waiting for after injuries limited her the past three years," wrote ESPN's Kareem Copeland. "Washington wasn't expected to be a playoff team in 2026, but Austin has been the steady veteran presence for the youngest team in the league."We've talked a lot about Shakira Austin's growth over the years, but the numbers tell the story best.Here's a look at the fifth-year forward's season-by-season scoring progression. pic.twitter.com/4itGG5GpeJ I talk hoops (@trendyhoopstars) August 4, 2026Austin's impact on the Mystics has been immense, on both ends of the floor. Finally healthy after injuries limited her to 105 games over her first four seasons, the former third overall pick is averaging 15.5 and 9.4 rebounds -- both career highs -- and she has missed just one game.Austin is the leader of the WNBA's second-ranked scoring defense and could even garner consideration for Defensive Player of the Year honors. In addition, she could well end the season as one of three players to average a double-double nightly.The Mystics appear on track to make the playoffs over teams with more experience -- like the Sparks, the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky. Washington already has equaled its win total from all of 2025, and that is in no small part thanks to Austin's emergence as one of the WNBA's best bigs.More WNBA news:Cleveland Sirens name, explained: What to know about meaning of newest WNBA team's mascot, colors, moreAces surge up new WNBA power ranking as A'ja Wilson continues to dominateCaitlin Clark fans furious over WNBA ranking that puts Paige Bueckers aheadKelsey Plum reveals emotional Mercury welcome after whirlwind trade: Gods grace on me