Chicago Sky Top Dallas Wings Again Behind ariel Atkins

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ariel Atkins poured in 26 points, Angel Reese added 14 points and nine rebounds, and the Chicago Sky completed a two-game sweep of the Dallas Wings with a 94-83 win Saturday night at College Park Center.

The Sky (2-4) capitalized on a short-handed Wings team missing rookie guard Paige Bueckers, who was sidelined after entering the WNBA’s concussion protocol following Thursday's game in Chicago. Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick out of UConn, was injured during the Wings’ 97-92 loss.

Despite another strong effort from NaLyssa Smith, the Wings (1-6) couldn’t sustain momentum. Smith made her presence felt in the second quarter with a highlight-reel block on Reese and a determined finish over Chicago’s 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardoso. Her energy helped fuel an 11-2 Dallas run to briefly take a 36-35 lead.

Still, that surge was short-lived — a common theme for Dallas this season. Their scoring runs have mostly come as reactions to deficits, not dominance. The Sky responded with poise, led by Atkins’ steady scoring and defense, including four steals. By halftime, Chicago had regained control, heading into the locker room up 46-43.

Chicago gained the upper hand during a critical seven-minute stretch from late in the first quarter into the second, outscoring Dallas 21-7 while the Wings struggled to shoot (3-of-14 from the field). The Sky maintained their lead behind a balanced effort: Courtney Vandersloot nearly notched a triple-double with 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Kia Nurse added 11 points off the bench.

Smith finished with a team-high 20 points and five rebounds for Dallas, along with three blocks — all in the first half. DiJonai Carrington contributed 16 points, and Arike Ogunbowale added 15, but shot just 5-of-16 from the field.

Chicago shot just 39% from the field but made up for it with efficiency at the line, going 26-of-29. The Sky also outpaced Dallas from deep, knocking down eight 3-pointers to the Wings’ four. In total, the teams combined to shoot 51-of-65 from the free-throw line.

The loss marked Dallas’ 25th consecutive defeat in games where they score 84 points or fewer — a painful streak that underscores their struggles to finish games strong.