WNBA 2018: Delle Donne, Atkins propel Mystics over Sky, 88-72

July 13, 2018, Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. – Starting forwards Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins each contributed 25 points to lead the Washington Mystics (13-8) to an 88-72 victory over the Chicago Sky (7-14).

Since this was the Mystics last home game – preceding five away games until the end of July – this matchup was almost a must-win.  And win they did.  They played aggressively, resulting in eight more offensive rebounds.  With good movement and open looks, they were able to make almost 50 percent of their three-point attempts, 11 of 23, while the Sky managed just 20 percent of theirs, four of 21.

The Sky took the lead by two with six minutes to go for the last time in the second quarter and never really threatened the Mystics for the rest of the game.

Atkins’ 25 points was a career-high for the Washington rookie. Center Latoya Sanders was the game’s leading rebounder with eight.

Chicago’s Allie Quigley led her team with 17 points, and guard Courtney Vandersloot had nine assists.

Before the game started, there was a ceremony to celebrate Washington's Mike Thibault (left) as the winningest coach in WNBA history with 300 career victories.  Congratulations, Coach Thibault! (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)
Before the game started, there was a ceremony to celebrate Washington’s Mike Thibault (left) as the winningest coach in WNBA history with 300 career victories.  Congratulations, Coach Thibault! (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Photos: Washington Mystics 88, Chicago Sky 72
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine