The Dallas Wings secured a significant victory on Monday night by defeating the reigning champions, the New York Liberty, in an intense game at the College Park Center. Despite the Liberty missing the injured Brena Stewart, the Wings dominated the first half, leading 63-36 at halftime. New York attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, but Dallas held strong to win 92-82, improving their season record to 8-19 and climbing to 11th place in the WNBA standings, ahead of the struggling Chicago Sky.
Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale spearheaded the Wings’ success. Bueckers, a highly touted rookie, scored 20 points on 12 shots, along with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two three-pointers. Ogunbowale had a historic night, becoming the first in WNBA history to record a double-double with 10 assists in the first half alone. She finished with 20 points, a career-high 14 assists, a steal, and two three-pointers.
The WNBA recognized the outstanding performances of both Bueckers and Ogunbowale, naming them co-top performers following the Wings’ unexpected triumph over New York. The league praised the Dallas backcourt duo for their pivotal roles in toppling the defending champions.
Looking ahead, the Wings will host the Atlanta Dream, who have a strong 15-10 record, at the College Park Center on Wednesday. Despite their current standings, the Wings still have a chance to make the playoffs with 17 games left, trailing the eighth-place Washington Mystics by 5.0 games. While challenging, a postseason appearance remains possible if Dallas continues to play at this high level.
Fan Take: This victory is a huge morale boost for Wings fans and showcases the rising talent in the WNBA. Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale’s stellar performances highlight the expanding depth and excitement of the league, promising an even more competitive and thrilling future for women’s basketball.
