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Chicago Sky Star Had Message for Teammate After 10th Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi M. Dombro | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 6:45 PM ET

The Chicago Sky dropped to 3-10 during the 2025 WNBA season after Sunday's loss to the 10-4 Atlanta Dream. The 93 to 80 defeat is the Sky's third straight loss and sixth in the last seven games.

Veteran guard Ariel Atkins led the way for the Sky once again with a season-best 29 points on 8-for-22 shooting. She also chipped in six rebounds, three assists and two steals in the loss.

Center Elizabeth Williams also had her best performance of the 2025 season against the Dream. She recorded 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting and added five rebounds and two blocks as well.

2024 WNBA All-Star forward Angel Reese chipped in 10 points and a season-high 19 rebounds against Atlanta. She also added four assists and three steals.

After the game, both Atkins and Williams addressed the media. Atkins had a message for her teammate, Williams, and spoke positively of the 11-year veteran despite losing by 13 points.

"Our x-factor player is E Will," Atkins said. "She brings an experience to our team. For me personally, she brings me poise, not only as a player but as a person, too."

Williams was a WNBA All-Star in 2017 and has made the All-Defensive team twice in her career, most recently in 2023. She had been averaging just 6.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game this year through the Sky's first 12 contests (via Pro Basketball Reference).

Atkins has been Chicago's star player this season, leading the team with 12.7 points per game. She has also chipped in 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals through the team's first 12 games.

Chicago will play again on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET against the 4-10 Los Angeles Sparks. The game will be played at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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