Chicago Sky Gave Player of the Game to Someone Else and Fans Approved

Chicago Sky Gave Player of the Game to Someone Else and Fans Approved originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Sky hosted the league-leading Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, looking to pick up their seventh win of the 2025 WNBA season. Angel Reese’s squad came out hot, opening up a six-point lead by the end of the first quarter and extending it to 13 by halftime.

Minnesota battled back to make it a game late, but ultimately Chicago held firm, winning 87-81. Reese finished the contest with 19 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Sky center Kamilla Cardoso added 17 points, 15 rebounds and two assists. But neither of those two players were named the Player of the Game on Saturday.

The Sky social media team gave the honor to guard Ariel Atkins, who led the way with 27 points, three rebounds and two steals. In most games this season, it's been Reese or Cardoso to win it, but not this time.

"27-PIECE FOR DOUBLE A TODAY," the Sky posted.

27-PIECE FOR DOUBLE A TODAY🤑

Presented by @MagellanCorp | #skytownpic.twitter.com/NDLgPhFaG8

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 12, 2025

After the announcement, fans quickly headed to the replies saying Atkins rightfully deserved the honor.

"Deserve," one fan said.

"Well deserved!!! She was in constant attack mode," another wrote on Instagram.

"Great game today AA! Well deserved my girl 🩵💛," added another on Instagram.

"Well deserved 🔥," wrote a fan on Instagram.

"She did her thing🙌🔥," said a fan on Instagram.

"So proud of Ariel man!! She was in a slump and had to remind us who she is. Great teammate and great player!❤️," wrote one on Instagram.

Related: Angel Reese Makes Strong Statement After Sky-Lynx

Related: Angel Reese Under Fire For Actions Toward Chicago Sky Staffer

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.