Excellent USC Projan double-double performance from Kiki Iriafen in 2nd WNBA win

It's not how anyone would ideally draw up their opening matchups in the WNBA. Former USC forward Kiki Iriafen has now faced Brittney Griner and Tina Charles as a rookie in her first two games of the season. As a member of the Washington Mystics, however, she has done well in not only taking on these challenges but also proving to be more than equal to the task on the court.

People may look at the final 90-85 scoreline and Iriafen's 17 points and 14 rebound outing. In truth, even that stat line does not do the former Trojan player's effort justice.

In the case of most first-year players as professionals, coaches are looking to see how they adjust to the increased level of play. With Iriafen, that is not a concern whatsoever. The forward is doing well within this Washington style of play and appears to already have a role carved out for herself.

Grabbing the rebounds and nailing her midrange step-back jumper are obviously positives. It's the fact that her game will often involve Iriafen setting three screens on one possession or moving without the ball to give a guard teammate of hers a better lane to drive to the basket.

These aspects and early maturity as a WNBA player are characteristics that will allow her to continue to have a big impact for the Mystics and be able to do so for a long time in what can be an unforgiving league.

The Mystics may have fallen behind early, but they clawed back and took the lead midway through the fourth. When her team needed it, at the end of a close game, Iriafen went on a personal 4-0 run to provide Washington with a more comfortable cushion.

First off the three-point miss from Jade Melbourne, Iriafen tracked down the shot and laid it in for two. Then on the ensuing offensive possession, the forward saved the ball from going out of play. While maintaining her balance, she showed her composure down low and gave her side her final bucket of the evening.

Significant trend showing up early for former USC F

For a second night in a row, Iriafen finished with a positive +/-, compared to her main matchup, in this case Charles, who ended with a -2 in that department.

Although Trojan fans would have wanted to see Rayah Marshall enter the game, the USC faithful were able to enjoy the performance of one of their former players.

Now sitting at 2-0 on the season, Washington will face the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday at the Chase Center.