Chicago Sky Had Seven Words for WNBA Star Before Mystics Game

Chicago Sky Had Seven Words for WNBA Star Before Mystics Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Under first‑year head coach Tyler Marsh, the Chicago Sky have endured growing pains, currently holding the second-worst winning percentage (.294) in the WNBA with a 5-12 record. 

Despite the struggles, there have been some highlights, notably Angel Reese's current streak of five straight games with 15 or more rebounds, as well as veteran guard Ariel Atkins, the team's leading scorer at 14.4 points per game. 

On Monday, the Sky issued their latest "Stat of the Week," revealing that Atkins joined only two other WNBA players (Gabby Williams and Dearica Hamby) to log at least 200 points, 50 rebounds, 50 assists, 30 steals and 10 blocks so far this season. 

The post was made with the caption, "A leader on and off the court 🦾😤."

a leader on and off the court 🦾😤@Microsoft | #skytownpic.twitter.com/2YdbJocm56— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 8, 2025

Atkins emerged as a key piece in Chicago’s offseason rebuild when the Sky acquired her in February in exchange for their No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft  and other future picks. 

A first‑round pick herself by the Washington Mystics in 2018, Atkins was a starting guard on the Mystics’ title‑winning team in 2019, a two-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive team member.

This season, she has averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 30.1 minutes across the first 17 games. 

Chicago now turns its focus to Washington on Tuesday before a three‑game homestand with matchups against the Dallas Wings and the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx.

If Atkins can sustain her current tear—and if her teammates rally behind her—the Sky may yet salvage the first half of their season and inject fresh momentum as they chase a playoff berth.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.