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Shakira Austin · Matchups against the Seattle Storm and their No. 1-ranked shot blocking defense has often been enough to prompt even the game’s best interior scorers to think twice before attempting shots in the paint. For Shakira Austin — unique in her blend of competitive fire with an assortment of pump fakes, pivots, and pull-ups to match — the only question seemed to be which crafty maneuver would work best. Beginning to percolate in what would ultimately become the highest-scoring game of her 2024 season, Austin screens for a teammate before drifting slightly into an uncovered area inside the arc for a pass. In need of a deceptive move to upstage Ezi Magbegor, Austin tests her discipline first with a shot fake, and then a pull-up through contact for an and-one jumper. Even during the Washington Mystics’ loss, Austin’s display offered further proof of just how dynamic the third-year big is when healthy. Austin’s contributions arrived through a 24-point, nine-rebound, three-steal, one-block performance on August 20, 2024. · State of Mint