As they say, in this game of basketball, no team is untouchable. The Chicago Sky just proved it on Saturday. A then- 6-13 team shocked the league by taking down the best-in-the-business Minnesota Lynx. No one saw it coming. Well, except the Sky team itself. “Somebody said we aren’t the best young core in the league… I think we’re the best, for sure,” Angel Reese said after the win. And the performance backed it up. Reese kept her double-double streak rolling, Kamilla Cardoso owned the paint like it was built for her, and Ariel Atkins brought the scoring punch that made the impossible suddenly very possible.

But on Monday, the Lynx came back mad and hungry for revenge. Still, even by halftime, it looked like the Sky might just do it again, as they were just four points behind as the first quarter wrapped up. But then came the block. Not on the court, but on the roster. Just before halftime, Atkins, who had just 2 points in 15 minutes, unlike her explosive Saturday showing (27 points), drove hard toward the wing, ball in hand, with Courtney Williams on her. As she jumped, something didn’t look right. She winced in pain and moments later, was heading to the locker room.

And then came the news: Ariel Atkins (leg) wouldn’t return. It’s a blow, no doubt. Atkins came into the game as Chicago’s leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points on 42.6% shooting and 35.9% from deep. And with the Sky’s guard depth already hanging by a thread, this isn’t the update fans wanted. But this isn’t her first in-game injury for Atkins. Back in 2023 with the Mystics, she was carried off the court with what looked like a serious ankle injury. She missed a few weeks then. 

Also, it doesn’t help the Sky that they had to face two game-ending injuries. Michaela Onyenwere went down crashing to the floor after a collision with her teammate Kamilla Cardoso and had to make her way off the court. However, as per the update from Coach Tyler Marsh, “Michaela is fine no concussion or anything”. As for Atkins, he said that she is still being analyzed. So we’re hoping this one isn’t as bad as the one before. Fingers crossed. We’ll be waiting for more updates.

As for the game, well, the Sky couldn’t pull off the upset this time. The final score was 91–78. Reese did her thing again, dropping 22 points and grabbing 10 defensive boards. But while the star sophomore continues to shine, it was a reminder that the Sky’s overall struggles haven’t gone away. The team has had a tough time finding consistency. To be fair, the Sky did put together a decent offensive outing. Rachel Banham dropped 15, Rebecca Allen chipped in 10 off the bench, and the team collectively shot 43.8% from three.

But even with those sparks, it wasn’t enough. The Lynx simply had too much firepower with four of their five starters scoring in double figures, led by Napheesa Collier’s 29 points. Now, while we’re still awaiting an update on Atkins’ injury before Chi-Town faces Atlanta, we do already know what her offseason plans look like.

Ariel Atkins ditches Unrivaled for Athletes Unlimited

We know that Atkins has never been the type to sit still when the season ends. She’s played overseas before, and last year, she even joined Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league launched by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. But this time, she’s making a switch and heading to another new stage. On Monday, Athletes Unlimited announced its first set of signings for its fifth season, and Atkins is officially on board. She’ll be making her AU debut in February in Nashville, alongside fellow newcomers Te-Hina Paopao, Jacy Sheldon, and Kiah Stokes. 

The returning roster already packs a punch, with names like Alysha Clark, Sydney Colson, Isabelle Harrison, Lexie Brown, Kia Nurse, and NaLyssa Smith back in the mix. With 14 players signed so far, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be stacked. “Nashville welcomed us with open arms last season, and we’re thrilled to return to Municipal Auditorium for another year of world-class hoops,” said AU’s VP of Basketball, Megan Perry. “With a roster that blends proven leaders and exciting new faces, AU Pro Basketball is where legends rise and new stars are born.”

Athletes Unlimited kicks off its fifth season on February 4 at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. The league features 40 pros competing in a four-week 5-on-5 format, with $500,000 in prize bonuses on the line. The WNBA is just as excited. But before making her decision, she spoke with AU veterans like Theresa Plaisance, Elizabeth Williams, and Alysha Clark. “I’m super excited about it. They’ve been building something for awhile now,” she said. “They focus on the players having everything they need to give us the opportunity in the offseason.” 

Ariel Atkins just keeps adding to her resume. Let’s just hope she stays fully healthy.