Los Angeles Sparks guard Ariel Atkins is now subject to disciplinary action from the WNBA after an incident with Paige Bueckers during Sunday's game against the Dallas Wings.
Atkins, who finished with nine points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals in L.A.'s 92-80 loss to the Wings, was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul in the second quarter of the game after committing a reckless closeout on Bueckers.
As Bueckers attempted and made a step-back 3-pointer with 4:36 left in the quarter, Atkins tried to block her. However, the Sparks veteran came down in the Wings star's landing space, prompting the referee to call a flagrant foul.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to the WNBA's rules, each flagrant point is punishable with a $500 fine. A Flagrant 1 accounts for one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 accounts for two flagrant points.
It's also worth noting that once a player accumulates four flagrant points, they will receive a one-game suspension. Atkins now has two flagrant points. She received a Flagrant 1 during the Sparks' May 10 game against the Las Vegas Aces when she elbowed Chennedy Carter in the face while attacking the basket.
The Sparks have 19 games left this season, and at No. 11 in the standings with a 10-15 record, they certainly cannot afford to lose a player to suspension.
L.A. is only 2.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Washington Mystics in the playoff race, so the team still has a chance to turn things around. For the Sparks to make it to the postseason, though, they need their players to step up and avoid any issues that could hinder their chances.
