We are looking back on the 2022 season, remembering moments with our Mystics All-Star and lock-down guard Ariel Atkins in our latest Mystics Season Rewind.
Coming off the 2021 season, Atkins was more than ready for what the new season had in store. Atkins started this season with a bang, scoring 15 and 20 pts during the first two games of the season.
By starting every game this season, Atkins set the tone for the team, and averaged 14.6 points, 2.3 assists, and 42% from the field.
AA again!#Mystics25 // @arielatkinssvn pic.twitter.com/HTxpSnfuI2
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 31, 2022
Out of 36 regular season games, Atkins scored double digits in 28 of those games. Atkins showcased her talents in Chicago for the All-Star break, both in the game and in the Mountain Dew three-point contest.
AA again!#Mystics25 // @arielatkinssvn pic.twitter.com/HTxpSnfuI2
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 31, 2022
Atkins had a season-high of 4 made threes in a game five games this season and was a force on the scoreboard, scoring in double digits for 20 consecutive games between June 8th against Chicago and August 2nd against Las Vegas.
The league took notice of Ariel on the defensive end as well, and named Ariel to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team.
🔒 Lockdown Defenders 🔒
Congrats to @arielatkinssvn and @T_Cloud4 for being named to the @WNBA First Team All-Defensive 😤#TogetherDC
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 30, 2022
Atkins hit a Mystics Milestone scoring 2,000 career points this season. In postseason play, Ariel Atkins averaged 15.5 points per game, 50% from three, and 5.5 assists per game.
2,000 CAREER POINTS ✅
Congrats, @arielatkinssvn 👏#Mystics25 // #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/SFpezQlQ9e
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 14, 2022
Best Moments
Atkins has six games this season where she scored 20 points or more.
A bucket 🪣 @arielatkinssvn #Mystics25 // @Amtrak pic.twitter.com/77k4WfNaRo
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 21, 2022
Atkins was named to the WNBA All-Star team, for the second time in her career. During the All-Star Mountain Dew three-point contest, Atkins finished second behind Chicago guard Allie Quigley.
On May 31st, Atkins went 9-16 from the field and scored 28 points to secure a win against Indiana.
The bucket. #Mystics25 // #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/RjghLNKrDA
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 14, 2022
Ariel was named to the Team USA and won a gold medal in the FIBA Women’s World Cup alongside teammates, Shakira Austin.
W🥇LD CUP CHAMPS!!
Congrats to @arielatkinssvn, @Theylove_kira, @coachthibault, and all of the #USABWNT 🇺🇸👏#TogetherDC // #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/MD6iGr1vAP
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 1, 2022
Atkins was awarded her Olympic Gold Medal ring during July 31st game against the Seattle Storm.
