​In Friday night’s 102-87 victory over the Chicago Sky, the Sparks leaned on Ariel Atkins, who had recently played for the Sky, to deliver a season-best 17 points and 6 assists. Her performance provided another offensive spark as Los Angeles surpassed the 100-point mark for the second consecutive game. Atkins opened the second quarter with an early three-pointer, then attacked the basket with conviction throughout the night. Her defense also came up big with several timely plays that helped shift momentum in favor of the Sparks, underscoring that the win wasn’t just about individual milestones but about team success.
Although Atkins acknowledged that scoring felt good, she emphasized that the bigger thrill came from the Sparks winning as a unit. “Obviously, it feels good to see shots go in,” she said after the game. “My biggest thing is that it feels good when we all feel good too. And obviously, when they lead to wins, it makes it even better.” Atkins’ impact extended beyond the scoreboard. She was active on the defensive end, collecting multiple steals that sparked transition opportunities, and her high energy helped fuel a balanced offensive attack that produced a season-high 32 assists for the team. All five Sparks starters finished in double figures, a testament to the unselfish style of play that head coach Lynne Roberts has been emphasizing throughout the season.
“It’s been emphasized all season,” Roberts noted. “The ball’s moving, everybody’s involved, and it’s becoming about getting the win instead of one person getting the bucket. That’s the mentality of great teams.” Heading into the fourth quarter with a narrow three-point lead, Atkins helped keep the team composed as Chicago mounted one final challenge. Instead of letting mistakes snowball, Los Angeles delivered its strongest defensive stretch of the night, outscoring the Sky 29-17 in the final period.
Roberts has repeatedly highlighted confidence and continuity as key areas the team has been building toward, especially as they adjust to life without Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink in the lineup. The consecutive road games against the Sky highlighted progress over the past two days; Atkins’ strong performances have been a sign that the Sparks are maturing as a cohesive unit. For Atkins, Friday’s season-high was about more than scoring—it marked another step in her growing comfort within the Sparks’ system. As her confidence rises, so too does Los Angeles’, with an eye toward maintaining momentum on a demanding road stretch ahead.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will rely on Atkins to maintain her two-way impact—providing steady offense and relentless defense—as they navigate challenging opponents on the road. Her growing chemistry with teammates and her increasing trust in the system signal a positive trajectory for Los Angeles as they pursue continued turnaround and additional wins.