Atkins brings veteran’s edge to the Sparks

LOS ANGELES — Ariel Atkins gives the Sparks a proven two-way guard with championship experience.

Across eight WNBA seasons, Atkins has averaged 13.4 points and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 36.2 percent from three and 85 percent from the free-throw line.

Last season with Chicago, Atkins shot a career-high 44.4 percent from the field and averaged a career-high 3.6 assists. She also brings a 2019 WNBA championship and Olympic gold medal experience to Los Angeles.

While Atkins has been quiet offensively over the Sparks’ last three games, her defensive presence has still traveled. Atkins recorded four steals in that stretch, including two against Minnesota, and remains among the league leaders at 1.8 steals per game.

Atkins is one of the new voices in the Sparks’ locker room, but she already understands what Los Angeles needs from her.

Defense.

Bringing Communication

Atkins said defense was part of the conversation before she arrived, and she sees it as one of the quickest ways she can impact this team.

“It’s what I do,” Atkins said.

Over that same three-game stretch, Atkins averaged 5.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 6-for-25 from the field and 1-for-13 from three. Even when the offense has not been there, her value has shown up in pressure, positioning and timely disruption.

Atkins is known for her defensive résumé, but one of the biggest things she wants to bring to the Sparks is communication.

During the preseason game against Nigeria, Atkins could be heard talking on the floor and directing traffic. For a Sparks team looking to improve defensively, that type of communication matters.

Fitting Ebony Hoffman’s Defense

Atkins also spoke about assistant coach Ebony Hoffman’s defensive approach.

She said what stands out is Hoffman’s accountability. It does not matter who a player is or what the score is.

“She doesn’t care who you are,” Atkins said. “If we’re up 40, down 40, lock in.”

To Atkins, that standard feels like championship culture.

That is important for a Sparks team trying to build a new defensive identity with new pieces, returning players and higher expectations.

Learning From the Rookies

Atkins also likes what she sees from the Sparks’ rookies.

She described them as hungry, eager to learn and bright-eyed in the best way. She said their willingness to absorb information gives them no limit.

Atkins also said she can learn from them, especially their fearlessness.

“I wish I had a little bit of that when I was younger,” Atkins said.

More Than Defense

Atkins also gave Sparks fans a glimpse of her personality. She said she is a Marvel nerd and is excited about upcoming Marvel releases near her birthday.

That mix of defense, voice, accountability and personality gives the Sparks another veteran presence as they continue shaping who they want to be.

Atkins may be new to Los Angeles, but her role is already clear: defend, communicate and raise the standard.

Cover Art/Lead Photo: Ariel Atkins of the Los Angeles Sparks playing defense. Photo credit: Ronny Ramsey/News4usonline