Mystics edge Sky on Cloud’s free throws in final seconds
WASHINGTON — Ariel Atkins scored 19 points, Natasha Cloud made two free throws with six seconds left and the Washington Mystics held off the Chicago Sky 84-82 on Wednesday night to avenge a loss Sunday.
Washington closed the first half on an 11-3 run to take a 45-40 lead and extended it to 57-42 after scoring 12 of the opening 14 points of the third. But the Mystics were held to just 15 points in the fourth as Chicago battled back.
Chicago’s Candace Parker had a shot blocked but got her own rebound and converted a three-point play with 27.9 to tie it at 82. Cloud dribbled down the clock, drove to the basket and was fouled before making two free throws. After a timeout, Chicago got it inside to Parker, but her left-handed layup didn’t hit the rim as time expired.
Tianna Hawkins started the second half for Washington’s Elena Delle Donne, who played just seven minutes before leaving with lower back tightness.
Parker had 16 points and nine rebounds for Chicago (7-4).
SUN 88, FEVER 69
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Brionna Jones scored 18 points and Jonquel Jones added 16 to help the Sun beat the Fever for their fourth straight victory.
DeWanna Bonner added 12 points and Alyssa Thomas had 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Connecticut (10-3). DiJonai Carrington went 5 of 5 from the floor for the second straight game and finished with 12 points.
Bonner moved into a tie for 17th in WNBA history for 3-pointers after a make early in the third quarter.
Rookie NaLyssa Smith led Indiana (3-11) with a season-high 19 points.
