Balanced effort helps Mystics edge Sky

Stefanie Dolson scored 17 points and the Washington Mystics converted late in the game for another road conquest, defeating the Chicago Sky 74-70 on Wednesday night.

Ariel Atkins poured in 15 points for the Mystics (9-22), who successfully followed their upset at Seattle on Monday night. Emily Engstler added nine points off the bench.

Atkins and Aaliyah Edwards scored 20 seconds apart to put the Mystics up 70-68 with 1:24 left. Brittney Sykes collected a key offensive rebound off Julie Vanloo's missed free throw and then converted a foul shot to help seal the outcome.

The teams traded baskets before the Sky had a chance to pull even in the final minute but they committed a shot-clock violation.

Michaela Onyenwere posted 15 points for the Sky (11-19), who have lost four straight. Reserve Diamond DeShields tacked on 12 points and Kamilla Cardoso supplied 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Sky benefitted from a 36-25 rebounding margin, with rookie Angel Reese pulling down 14.

The Mystics were held to 10 points in the third quarter, yet were within 62-61 after Sika Kone sank two free throws with 6:39 to play in the fourth.

Sykes, who had 48 points combined in the two previous games, was held to six points.

It took time for the Sky to perk up just three days after a disappointing two-point loss to the visiting Las Vegas Aces.

Washington's 50-43 lead faded when the Mystics managed only two points in nearly six minutes. The Sky took the lead and held a 58-54 edge going into the fourth quarter.

Earlier, it took the Mystics more than five minutes of the second quarter to go on an 18-8 run and build a 40-28 advantage.

Atkins had 13 first-half points, including a trio of 3-pointers, as Washington led 44-39 at the break despite Lindsay Allen's two three-point plays in the final minute of the half.

The Sky committed eight first-quarter turnovers, but heated up late in the period from the field and trailed only 22-20 after 10 minutes.