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Mystics sign Shatori Walker-Kimbrough for remainder of 2021

By Tyler Byrum

Mystics sign Shatori Walker-Kimbrough for remainder of 2021 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

After bringing Shatori Walker-Kimbrough in for two seven-day contracts, the Mystics are signing the guard for the remainder of the 2021 season. 

While her time with Washington has been brief, her production on the court has been impactful. The 5’9 guard has played in four games for the Mystics, starting the last three. In that span, she’s averaged 6.5 points per game and shot 55% from the field. 

Originally, Walker-Kimbrough signed with the team on July 1. She also played one game earlier in the year for the Connecticut Sun. 

The University of Maryland product came back to the Mystics this season after she was sent away as a part of the Tina Charles trade back before the 2020 season. It resulted in Walker-Kimbrough playing on the Phoenix Mercury in the bubble last year, posting career-highs in several categories. Afterward, she was not re-signed on an expiring rookie contract.

Related: Mystics contending, but work still to do

The Mystics brought her in this season after the guaranteed contract deadline day with injuries mounting for the team. Familiarity with the system and the personnel certainly led to the confidence the organization has in her. 

As a key bench piece for Washington in winning their first championship in 2019, her reunion gives the Mystics five players from that squad on the active roster. She averaged 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 steals per game during that title-winning season.

In 2017, she was the sixth overall pick of the WNBA Draft and was named to the All-Rookie Team.

Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins named to WNBA’s All-Defensive First Team

By Tyler Byrum
Cloud, Atkins named to WNBA's All-Defensive First Team originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonThe backcourt duo of Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins were named to the WNBA's All-Defensive First Team on Tuesday after leading the Mystics to the No. 1 defensive distinction in the league this past season.It is the first time either guard was named to the first team in their careers. They are the first Mystics to be on the first team since Alana Beard in 2007. They join the Defensive Player of the Year A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Sylvia Fowles on the first team. Additionally, Cloud received two of the 56 votes for DPOTY. Here is a full list of the results:First TeamA'ja Wilson, Las Vegas AcesBreanna Stewart, Seattle StormSylvia Fowles, Minnesota LynxNatasha Cloud, Washington MysticsAriel Atkins, Washington MysticsSecond TeamAlyssa Thomas, Connecticut SunJonquel Jones, Connecticut SunEzi Magbegor, Seattle StormBrittney Sykes, Los Angeles SparksGabby Williams, Seattle StormAtkins has now been recognized for her defensive efforts in each of the first five seasons of her career. For Cloud, it is the second time (2019 2nd Team) that she made the talented 10-player grouping. Over the past two offseasons, the Mystics prioritized building their defensive prowess. Atkins and Cloud were the first two building blocks for that effort as they signed Alysha Clark in 2021, Elizabeth Williams in 2022 and then drafted one of the best defensive prospects in Shakira Austin at No. 3. The result was the Mystics being ranked first in the WNBA by multiple defensive metrics. At the point of that defensive attack were Cloud and Atkins. The hope was that the unit could carry the team as the offense did in 2019.Cloud averaged 1.0 steals per game this season, marking the third straight season she's reached that mark. Her 100 defensive rating and 1.9 defensive win-shares were the highest of her career, per Basketball Reference. While Clark typically took the toughest defensive assignment on the floor, Cloud would take the second. When Clark went to the bench, it was Cloud's responsibility to take on that matchup. Related: Will Griner's detainment change playing overseas?Atkins registered in the top ten of the league with a career-high 2.0 defensive win shares - the sixth-best in the WNBA. She also set a career-best 99 defensive rating. Her 1.4 steals per game led the team.This marks the first time in team history two Mystics received All-Defensive honors, regardless of first or second team. It is just the 14th time in WNBA history that two players from the same team made the first team.
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