Lauren Betts didn’t score in her WNBA debut on May 8, but she has since bounced back with a career-high 11 points on May 18. Ahead of the Mystics’ May 24 game at Climate Pledge Arena, Betts says she’s learned to stay present and not compare her process—after b
For Lauren Betts, the first WNBA stat line was the kind of start she didn’t expect—scoreless, and quickly. In her league debut on May 8, the 22-year-old Mystics rookie played twelve minutes and didn’t register a point.
The contrast to her college production was stark. In four seasons at UCLA, Betts averaged 14.6 points on 61.9% shooting and 7.8 rebounds. But when the WNBA totals began to count against her, the adjustment hit early.
When she spoke with Sue Bird on the “Bird’s Eye View” podcast, Betts described not remembering the last time she didn’t score. The moment could’ve lingered. Instead, she leaned on advice that came from a teammate—blunt enough to be funny, and memorable enough to snap her out of it.
Betts said Iriafen told her, “Some days, you’re gonna be like the s—, and other days you’re gonna be like the fire hydrant.” Betts laughed as she recalled her response: “I was like, ‘You’re right,’” she said. “I was like, ‘I am the fire hydrant today, and that’s okay.’”
After that debut. Betts said the plan is simple: accept the randomness of a rookie year and keep working without getting dragged into comparisons. “I feel like that’s just how it is, I feel like, your rookie year. And I think the biggest thing is that you can’t compare your process to other people because everyone is in different situations. ” she said. “You can’t get caught up in that. You just gotta focus on getting better and staying present.”.
That approach has already shown up on the scoreboard. On May 18, Betts scored a WNBA career-high 11 points on 71.4% shooting in 15 minutes against Dallas—less than two weeks after that scoreless opening game.
With the Mystics scheduled to keep building, Betts will get another opportunity on Sunday, May 24. The team will face the Seattle Storm at 6 p.m. ET at Climate Pledge Arena (League Pass).
Her message going into the next matchup is about preparation without certainty. “I think. for me. (it’s) just going to every single game with. like. ‘I don’t know what it’s going to look like this game. but when I’m in there. I’m going to be ready to go. and I’m going to give to my team.’ And that’s all that matters. ” Betts said.
Lauren Betts WNBA debut Kiki Iriafen advice Sue Bird podcast Washington Mystics Seattle Storm Climate Pledge Arena A'ja Wilson May 8 May 18 rookie season
So she didn’t score on her debut but now she’s “bounced back”… okay cool, but where’s the defense stats? lol
I love the Sue Bird podcast thing, but honestly I feel like rookies always get unfair expectations. Also “fire hydrant”?? that’s hilarious Iriafen 😂
Wait did she play for UCLA still or is this like a whole different person? Because 14.6 at UCLA and then 0 in the WNBA sounds like they changed the rims or something.
The quote about not comparing your process is nice but like… fans are gonna compare anyway. If she scores 11 again that’ll be the whole headline, if not then it’s “rookie struggle” again. Also Climate Pledge Arena is in Seattle right? so why is it “Mystics” stuff there, I’m confused.