Ariel Atkins

Washington Mystics guard Li Meng grins and makes a 3-point sign with her right hand as she runs back on defense.

Playing with ‘supreme confidence,’ Li Meng finds her groove with Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / June 17, 2023

Li’s shooting has been a difference-maker for a struggling Mystics offense

Five Washington Mystics players stand on the court waiting for action to resume. Their facial expressions are neutral to dissatisfied.

What explains the Washington Mystics’ early-season inconsistency?

By Jenn Hatfield / June 13, 2023

They’ve been up and down from quarter to quarter this season — but there’s still time to fix it

The Washington Mystics huddle after a game, putting their fists into the center. Forward/guard Elena Delle Donne addresses the group.

Takeaways from Washington Mystics’ lone back-to-back of 2023

By Jenn Hatfield / June 5, 2023

The basketball was inconsistent, but the support for Wear Orange Weekend was steady

WNBA Seattle Storm point guard Jade Melbourne dribbles the ball up the court

Sunday Notes, Week 2: Chicago’s defense, Mystics’ offense and Jade Melbourne

By Em Adler / June 4, 2023

Our weekly look around the WNBA also checks on Tiffany Hayes and Rachel Banham’s shooting and Lexie Hull’s mechanics

Washington Mystics forward/guard Elena Delle Donne waves to the crowd with both hands as smoke billows out behind her during player introductions.

With a ‘lift and flick,’ Elena Delle Donne continues to dominate for Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 27, 2023

Delle Donne’s back once threatened her career, but she’s making that a distant memory

New York Liberty big wing Breanna Stewart dribbles downhill while Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson defends her from the side, in a matchup of WNBA preseason favorites.

The Next’s 2023 WNBA preseason awards and predictions

By Em Adler / May 18, 2023

MVP, ROY, and a ton of fun off-the-wall questions asked and answered

Washington Mystics players and staff stand in a loose circle at halfcourt and talk at the end of a practice.

2023 WNBA season preview: Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 15, 2023

‘Underdog’ Mystics could challenge WNBA’s superteams with elite defense, improved offense

Ariel Atkins draws on a dry erase board with her left hand, and players surround her, watching intently.

Inside Ariel Atkins’ coaching stint at the NBA Academy Women’s Camp Latin America

By Jenn Hatfield / January 20, 2023

For Atkins, it was a chance to try out coaching — and give back to her sport

Four pictures in a collage: on the left, Seattle Storm big wing Breanna Stewart, mid-air, leaps from under the rim to Dallas Wing big Isabelle Harrison and blocks Harrison's shot with her fingertips; on the top-right, Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson extends a hand up and out to deter a shot while keeping her back between Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles and the basket, as Fowles catches the ball just outside Wilson's reach; on the bottom-left, Connecticut Sun big wing Alyssa Thomas keeps a hand on the side of Washington big wing Elena Delle Donne while they jockey for post position

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Awards: Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defense

By Em Adler / September 2, 2022

Breanna Stewart rises to the top

Mystics

Locked on Women’s Basketball: What’s next for Elena Delle Donne, Alysha Clark and the Washington Mystics?

By The Next / August 25, 2022

Howard and Jenn discuss how the Mystics’ first-round playoff series ended too quickly and more