When the Chicago Sky entered the court versus the Washington Mystics, tensions were running high with Angel Reese’s continued absence. But the team finally had Ariel Atkins on the court, and did they show up! Not without a little chaos, though, one that baffled even the broadcasters.
It all came just under six minutes into the third quarter after Atkins sank an 11-foot jumper to extend the Sky’s lead to 49–36. Just seconds later, Kia Nurse was whistled for a personal foul—and then chaos ensued. While Atkins was battling for position near the paint, she collided into Citron, who was also about to go to the line. Then? Despite Shakira Austin’s interference, the refs called it a personal foul, but instant replays told a different story.
“Watch Shakira Austin,” one broadcaster urged viewers. “She caused the collision… almost pushed [Atkins] into Sonia Citron.” And yes, playbacks showed Shakira’s physicality clearly forcing the contact that sent Atkins stumbling into Citron’s space. But despite the visible push, no challenge was issued on the play. “That would be a hard call,” the broadcaster admitted.