New Month Brings Rejuvenated Wings
The Dallas Wings have started the month of July with a 2-1 record, as they pulled off two major victories against top four teams in the league.
The Dallas Wings pulled off their first upset of the week on Sunday, as they took down the Washington Mystics 89-72. The team was lead by All-Star starter Satou Sabally, who recorded her 11th double-double.
Fast forward to Wednesday, and the team had a much more difficult task against the one-seeded Las Vegas Aces. The Wings got off to a hot start, as they held a 51-42 lead at halftime. It wasn’t until midway in the fourth quarter that Dallas saw their lead slip away. Sabally wasn’t able to play in the second half as she has been dealing with an illness. The Aces would go on an 11-0 to seal the deal as they won 89-82.
Dallas would go on to get their revenge Friday. The team beat Las Vegas 80-78 in a hard contestant fight. Tied with less than a second left in the game, Forward Natasha Howard made two clutch free throws to give Dallas the victory. This proved to be a team effort, as the Wings had all five of their starters score double digit points. Guard Arike Ogunbowale helped give the Aces their second loss of the season. The Dallas all-star poured in 21 points and four steals. Crystal Dangerfield also played a major role, as she had 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Overall, the Wings played well on both sides of the ball as they forced the Aces to turn the ball 18 times, while shooting 47.1 from the field.
So is July the month of the Wings?
It is possible that Dallas could finish July with a winning record. Over their past three games, the team has held their opponents to a mean average of 79.6 points. This is not bad for group that usually allows the opposition to drop in 83.1 points.
Defense has been a key part of the team’s turnaround this month. Against the Mystics, they stole the ball nine times. In both their matches against the Aces, Dallas had seven and eight steals.
Turnovers have been another component to their game. During the month of July, the team has forced their opponents to turn the ball over on average 10 times or more. Against the Aces Friday, Wings made the number one team in the league turn the ball over 18 times. This is a jump from the Aces average of 12 turnovers per game.
One final reason why July could be special for the Wings, is the team’s ability to rebound the ball. On average, Dallas grabs 39.4 boards. Against the Mystics, the Wings broke that average by combining for 54 boards and 39 of the rebounds came on the defensive side. Teaira McCowan has been a big part of the group’s success. Since her return, she has averaged nine rebounds (the second most on the team).
During the month of July, McCowan saw her numbers increase, as she has snatched in 11.3 rebounds. McCowan has also made 47% of her shots during the month of July. Pairing her alongside Howard has also allowed Dallas to increase their scoring inside the paint. Against the Aces Friday, the Wings managed to drop in 46 points inside.
When the team is rolling on all cylinders, anything is possible. Dallas has two games left before the All-Star break, including a matchup against the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx.
The Wings beat Minnesota earlier in the season 94-89. As for Minnesota, they have won their last five games and hold the same record as Dallas in the standings.
With the Wings beating the top team in the league, look for them to build some momentum before the break