For the Washington Mystics — the WNBA’s leader in games within five points in the final five minutes — the crunch-time pressures separating them from their season’s first win couldn’t have been more familiar. In pushing to the finish line by reminding herself that there was no such thing as being “tired,” Ariel Atkins ensured that the Mystics’ buckets were of the familiar type, as well. Burdened with providing Washington’s uncertain offense with a sense of order, Atkins slides atop the 3-point arc, in need of a move to break free of Allisha Gray. Also mindful of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus’ goal of helping, Atkins trusts her craftiness, powerfully gathering through the tight gap for a difficult, one-legged in-traffic score. The Atlanta Dream’s late, 14-4 run ultimately dealt Washington a loss on May 29, 2024. Though, the two-time All-Star again found success against the team she first broke out against back in Year One. Ever dependable on both ends, Atkins concluded with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and two 3-pointers. · May 29, 2024