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Two teams that had lost three of their last seven games faced off in Wednesday's Washington Mystics versus Chicago Sky clash. Although the Sky were higher in the standings, they entered the game on a three-game losing streak, while the Mystics had won their last two.
The Mystics held on for the 74-70 victory to win their third straight and deal Chicago its fourth-straight loss.
In the first quarter, the Mystics started strong, with Ariel Atkins leading a 7-4 run. They capitalized on Sky turnovers to take a 20-14 lead.
The Sky responded as Diamond DeShields drove for a couple of layups, cutting the deficit to 22-20 by the end of the quarter.
Atkins kept up her strong play for Washington, hitting a 3-pointer and a running layup to extend the Mystics' lead. Layshia Clarendon made a series of plays late in the quarter, including a driving layup and free throws, narrowing Washington's lead to five points.
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The first half concluded with the Mystics leading 44-39.
In the third quarter, the Chicago Sky came out strong, chipping away at the Mystics' lead and eventually taking control.
Michaela Onyenwere played a key role for Chicago, scoring multiple layups and a 3-pointer to close the gap. Her efforts, along with Kamilla Cardoso's presence, brought Chicago close to taking the lead.
Stephanie Dolson tried to keep Washington ahead with layups and free throws, pushing the lead to 50-43. However, Chicago answered with an 11-2 run, powered by Onyenwere's offense and Cardoso's rebounding and playmaking.
Both teams struggled with turnovers during the quarter, but Chicago capitalized on Washington's mistakes, with a key layup by Cardoso giving the Sky their first lead of the quarter at 53-52.
As the quarter wound down, Washington fought back to tie the game at 54 with a jump shot from Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. However, Angel Reese's driving layup and Dana Evans' floating bank shot just before the buzzer extended Chicago's lead to 58-54.
In the fourth quarter, Karlie Samuelson hit a 3-pointer, followed by a running layup from Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, putting the Mystics back in the lead.
DeShields responded for Chicago with a couple of key baskets while Dana Evans extended Chicago's lead to 65-61 with a 3-pointer.
With 4:38 remaining, Isabelle Harrison made two free throws, extending the lead to 68-61 for the Chicago Sky. Following a missed turnaround fadeaway by Brittney Sykes, Aaliyah Edwards grabbed the offensive rebound and scored on a putback layup, cutting the deficit to 68-63.
After Julie Vanloo missed a layup, Dolson tipped in the rebound, narrowing Washington's deficit. Ariel Atkins then drove in for a finger roll layup, tying the game at 68-68. Aaliyah Edwards followed up with a steal and a running layup, putting Washington ahead 70-68.
The Sky called a timeout at 1:24. Following the break, Reese's shot was blocked by Dolson, who also grabbed the rebound. Brittney Sykes then scored on a cutting layup, pushing Washington's lead to 72-68.
With 51 seconds remaining, Kamilla Cardoso answered with a driving floater, bringing Chicago within two at 72-70. Dolson missed a turnaround bank shot with 31 seconds left, and Cardoso secured the rebound. Chicago then committed a shot clock violation with eight seconds remaining, effectively sealing Washington's victory.
Angel Reese finished with single-digit points for the first time this month, tallying seven points and 14 rebounds. Onyenwere, DeShields and Cardoso had 15, 12 and 10, respectively.
Dolson paced the Mystics with 17 points, while Ariel Atkins added 15 as the Mystics won 74-70 in the end.
Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Player Stats and Box Scores
Washington Mystics Player Stats and Box Scores
Chicago Sky Player Stats and Box Scores
