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In a critical matchup with playoff implications, Stefanie Dolson and Ariel Atkins led the Washington Mystics to a 74-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. The win, powered by Dolson’s 17-point performance and Atkins’ 15-point contribution, marks Washington’s fourth consecutive triumph as they continue their push for a postseason berth.
Dolson, a former Sky player, was dominant in the paint, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and pulling down seven rebounds. Her inside presence, combined with Atkins’ perimeter shooting, provided the Mystics with a balanced offensive attack that Chicago struggled to counter. Atkins was also a force on the defensive end, recording three steals and consistently disrupting the Sky’s rhythm.
The Mystics got off to a strong start, building an early lead that they maintained throughout much of the game. However, the Sky, led by Kahleah Copper’s 22 points, mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to just two points with under a minute to play. Washington’s defense held firm in the closing moments, forcing a crucial turnover that sealed the victory.
Despite the win, the Mystics’ playoff hopes remain in the balance. They sit on the edge of the postseason picture, with every game crucial to their fate. Head coach Eric Thibault praised his team’s resilience, noting the importance of closing out tight games as they approach the season’s final stretch.
The Mystics will next face the Atlanta Dream, with both teams vying for a playoff spot in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.