On Wednesday night, Ariel Atkins scored 15 points and dished out five assists, while Stefanie Dolson scored 17 points to lead the Washington Mystics over the Chicago Sky 74-70.

Stefanie Dolson scored 17 points, and Ariel Atkins contributed 15 points and five assists as the Washington Mystics defeated the Chicago Sky 74-70 on Wednesday night.



Washington (9-22) extended their winning streak to three games, including a recent 74-72 victory over the Seattle Storm. This is the first time this season that the Mystics have won three consecutive games, following a five-game losing streak.



The Sky led 68-61 with 4:38 remaining, but the Mystics surged with a 13-2 run to secure the win. Aaliyah Edwards' putback off a missed Brittney Sykes shot ignited an 11-0 run that gave Washington a 72-68 lead with 1:01 left. Chicago's Kamilla Cardoso ended the Sky’s four-minute scoring drought with a basket to make it 72-70, but Chicago (11-19) would not score again.



Rookie Angel Reese grabbed 14 rebounds, marking her 24th straight game with double-digit boards, and added seven points for Chicago.


Michaela Onyenwere led the Sky with 15 points, while Cardoso posted her fifth double-double of the season with 10 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Diamond DeShields chipped in 12 points, her first double-digit game since May 18.



The Mystics led by as many as 12 points late in the first half, but the Sky took a 56-54 lead late in the third quarter on a Reese layup. Washington’s Shakira Austin missed the game due to an ankle injury, and Chicago’s leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, also did not play due to health and safety protocols.


The game marked a crucial win for the Washington Mystics as they build momentum toward the latter part of the season. Their third consecutive victory is a significant boost for a team that had previously struggled through a five-game losing streak. This win over the Sky came through a combination of solid defense and timely offense, with Stefanie Dolson and Ariel Atkins playing pivotal roles.


Aaliyah Edwards’ contributions in the closing moments were instrumental, especially her offensive rebound and putback that shifted the momentum in favor of Washington. The Mystics, who had seen their 12-point lead slip away, showed resilience by rallying late in the game and closing strong with their 13-2 run.


Angel Reese’s dominance on the boards continued, with her 14 rebounds setting the tone for Chicago’s effort, but the Sky couldn’t hold on in the final minutes. Kamilla Cardoso’s fifth double-double of the season was another bright spot for Chicago, along with Diamond DeShields rediscovering her scoring form.


Despite the Sky’s ability to take the lead late in the third quarter, they were unable to find answers for the Mystics' late-game push. The absence of their leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, due to health and safety protocols, was a significant blow to Chicago’s offense. Washington, on the other hand, overcame the absence of Shakira Austin, who missed the game with an ankle injury.



This victory marks a turning point for the Mystics as they aim to finish the season on a high note, while the Sky continue to search for consistency as they face an uphill battle to get back on track.