Sky Soar in Second Half, Snap Eight-Game Skid Over Mystics

Ariel Atkins and Elizabeth Williams during the Sky Post game. Photo by Mia Nuñez

It wasn’t pretty, but the Chicago Sky secured the win against the Washington Mystics Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena.

The Sky came out swinging in the first quarter, putting up 25 points to the Mystics’ 10. Ball movement was crisp, and Chicago notched seven assists in the opening frame—an early sign of the chemistry they’ve been working to reclaim.

The second quarter was a different story. The Sky looked like a completely different team—missing shots, turning the ball over, and allowing the Mystics to get back into the game. In fact, Washington racked up 10 steals in the first half alone. Luckily for Chicago, the Mystics couldn’t capitalize, struggling to convert those turnovers into points.

Despite the Sky’s second-quarter slump, center Kamilla Cardoso stayed consistent, logging her seventh consecutive double-double before halftime with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

After a halftime adjustment, the Sky returned to the floor with new energy and consistent effort. Center Elizabeth Williams credited that shift to the team’s renewed focus on interior scoring.

“I think the biggest difference were the paint points in the second quarter, we weren't getting in the paint, not getting as clean looks,” Williams said. “Coming out, we knew the third quarter was really important. So we knew that we wanted to punch first and try and get the ball inside.”

Chicago certainly took that to heart, shooting over 67% from the field with no turnovers, allowing them to surge ahead to a 19-point lead. Head coach Tyler Marsh credited the team for embracing his third quarter message.

“Resiliency was the messaging. Not letting one possession derail the next,” he said. “Coming out of it, I thought we did a really good job of handling the few runs Washington had."

Meanwhile, the Mystics struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Guard Sonia Citron led the team with 13 points, four steals, and four rebounds. But the absence of Brittney Sykes—who was traded before the game to the Seattle Storm—was felt on both ends of the court.

Chicago once again came out slow in the fourth quarter. But guard Ariel Atkins, playing in just her second game back from injury, buried a clutch three to halt the Mystics’ momentum.

“Honestly, just take care of the ball, and if there is an opportunity to go finish,” Atkins said.

When the final buzzer sounded, center Elizabeth Williams threw her hands in the air, a visible release of relief and triumph.

“I've been in this league a long time,” she said. “Had winning streaks, losing streaks, but knowing that all it takes is one—and sometimes just winning that one game—it changes the mindset and reminds us of what we’re capable of,” she added.

Williams finished with her second consecutive double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Cardoso ended with 16 points and 13 rebounds — helping the Sky snap their eight-game losing skid and injecting life into a team still chasing a playoff spot.

They have a chance to prove themselves again against the Atlanta Dream on Thursday.