Creative in showcasing their team chemistry, the Washington Mystics quickly became a trending topic as they arrived to the game, one-by-one, wearing custom-made, Ariel Atkins-themed shirts. Given the excellence with which she performed on July 14, 2024, Atkins-themed superhero capes could’ve been equally justified. Putting the team on her back during a 16-point opening quarter, Atkins — outscoring the Las Vegas Aces by her lonesome over the first eight minutes — puts on the finishing touches with a left corner catch-and-shoot triple that sinks through the net. A seemingly-safe bet to play the defending champions competitively, particularly to start, the Mystics, buoyed by Atkins’ efforts, opened a 15-point lead and kept close before ultimately falling in a valiant defeat. One game removed from a 26-point showcase, Atkins remained en fuego, dropping 36 points (one shy of the Mystics’ single-game scoring record) on 13-of-25 shooting, accompanied by four rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and six 3-pointers. · Jul 14, 2024