Mystics vs. Wings final score: Atkins injured in career game in Mystics’ 93-80 win vs. Wings

The Mystics have now won 20 games for the first time since the 2010 season in a 93-80 victory over the Wings. That’s the great news!

However, it came at a price where Ariel Atkins was injured in the fourth quarter after taking a hard fall when she collided with Allisha Gray while attempting a layup.

Atkins was on the floor noticeably sobbing soon after though the game was not stopped. She left the court walking on her own power with the help of some trainers. Hopefully, there’s nothing serious out of that.

The injury was unfortunate, because Atkins had an otherwise excellent game. She scored a career high 26 points in the win including 14 in the second half.

The Mystics played relatively even with the Wings in the first quarter, but they blew the game open in the second quarter when Elena Delle Donne started getting hot. And in the third quarter, they raced to 24 point lead at one point when Atkins REALLY started getting hot. She scored 11 points in that period alone. Inevitably, the Wings made their runs and had a single digit deficit in the fourth quarter. But the Mystics never really let the Wings back into the game.

Atkins wasn’t the only Mystic who had a great game. Elena Delle Donne added 23 points and Kristi Toliver added 17 more, often scoring right when the Mystics needed her most.

Here are some more takeaways from the game.

Ariel Atkins is a top quality starting WNBA wing

We have pointed this out time and time again throughout this season. But it’s clear that Atkins was a home run selection for the Mystics at the seventh spot. Again, we hope that her injury isn’t serious, but she was having the game of her life until the fourth quarter.

Washington’s gonna need more Aerial Powers

Powers scored 8 points in the game, all in the second quarter which helped spark the Mystics’ initial double digit lead. She was grabbing rebounds, making steals, and was totally fearless out there.

If Atkins did suffer a significant injury today, then Powers could fill her role quite nicely. Powers has a style of play kind of like Atkins. Both are not afraid to drive to the basket and get to the line as a result. The awareness of both players on the defensive side is notable keeping their eyes on the ball and staying aggressive forcing turnovers.

Does Dallas REALLY want to make the playoffs?

The loss of Liz Cambage due to a concussion has really hurt Dallas at the wrong time and it has shown. On the way to having a eight-game losing streak, which still gives the Aces to sneak in and take the final playoff spot.

Next Game

The Mystics play the Indiana Fever on the road on Wednesday night.