Dallas Wings Fall to Tenacious Washington Mystics, 92-84

Natasha Howard (No. 6) of the Dallas Wings drives toward the basket against Emily Engstler (No. 21) of the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

WASHINGTON — Determined efforts by Natasha Howard and Arike Ogunbowale kept the Dallas Wings in the fight against the Washington Mystics on Sunday afternoon at Entertainment & Sports Arena. However, a 29-14 third quarter run by Washington proved insurmountable against Dallas, as the Mystics defeated the Wings, 92-84.

In the opening 54 seconds, Howard scored back-to-back 24′ treys, sparking her Dallas teammates in a torrid first quarter. Howard, Jacy Sheldon, Sevgi Uzun, Arike Ogunbowale and Monique Billings were part of the scoring frenzy that put Dallas in the lead over Washington, 32-25.

Going into the second quarter, Ogunbowale and Howard continued showcasing their prowess on the offensive end while Uzun and Morgan Bertsch contributed to the team’s 19 points.

Meanwhile, Washington was on the attack with Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Karlie Samuelson, Ariel Atkins, Stefanie Dolson, Emily Engstler and Julie Vanloo countering with 21 team points. Still, Dallas led Washington, 51-46, going into halftime, with 20 minutes separating them from their fourth win of the 2024 WNBA season.

Once the third quarter started, Myisha Hines-Allen and Dolson of the Mystics tied the score against Dallas, 53-53, in the opening 64 seconds. Uzun’s layup with 8:09 remaining in the quarter brought the Wings back into the lead by two points before she was fouled by Samuelson.

After Samuelson banked both of her free throws, it was a tie score again, 55-55, with 7:23 left in the third quarter. From there, Washington never looked back when Atkins’ 28′ three point pullup jumper put the Mystics into their first lead of the game, 58-55.

Despite Howard, Sheldon, Ogunbowale and Lou Lopez Sénéchal tallying baskets for the Wings, Washington led Dallas, 75-65, going into the fourth quarter.

Just 22 seconds into the fourth quarter, Billings drew a foul on Didi Richards. Billings made one of her two free throws, drawing Dallas within nine points of Washington.

Dolson, Richards and Atkins put the Mystics ahead of the Wings, 84-72, with 5:54 remaining, prompting Dallas to call a timeout. In the final 3:35 of the game, Dallas had opportunities to close the gap or possibly tie and overtake Washington.

Both teams missed shots until Sheldon nailed a three point pull jumper with 2:04 left in the game, trimming Washington’s lead over Dallas, 85-79. Samuelson’s layup along with  Dolson’s two successful free throw shots and Vanloo’s basket from the stripe put Washington ahead of Dallas, 90-79, with 0:40 left in the game.

From there, Ogunbowale’s 25′ three point jumper was the closest Dallas got in the final 31 seconds. Atkins made both of her free throws when she was fouled by Sheldon before Howard’s hook shot simply closed out the game with Washington sweeping the weekend against Dallas.

Natasha Howard (No. 6) of the Dallas Wings scored 19 of her 26 points in the first two quarters against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

In the midst of a tough 11-game stretch, Billings found some silver lining with the Wings’ overall effort and determination on the floor versus Saturday’s challenging game.

“I thought we had more fight today,” Billings said. “We came out knowing we didn’t want to play the way that we played [on Saturday]. So I thought our effort was there. Still just little details that we need to clean up. But yeah, I thought we were scrappy for a majority of that game.”

Likewise, Howard, the 11-year veteran from Florida State and three-time WNBA champion, considered an inspirational question by Latricia Trammell, head coach of the Wings, fielded before Sunday’s game.

“Me being a captain and the leader of this team, I have to show that day in and day out, no matter what, how many minutes I play or not, I still got to be that spark plug on both ends of the floor when I’m doing what I need to do,” Howard said. “Everybody else follows and I feel like tonight everybody followed and we did what we had to do.

“On top of that, we also played for the people that put the ball in their hands. Like Coach [Trammell] said, why are we playing this game? Who are we playing this game for? And I think everybody played for that person. So, I think that actually helped us big time in this game right here.”

Before traveling back home to Dallas, Howard had a simple but meaningful message for the fans ahead of Thursday’s matinee against the Minnesota Lynx.

“Keep believing in us,” Howard said. “Yeah, just keep believing in us, that’s all.”

With a genuine smile, even after a tough defeat, Billings reassured Dallas fans that the tide will turn.

“Stay with us. We got this,” Billings added.

Likewise, Trammell acknowledged the Dallas faithful and that their support is most needed during this challenging start to their 2024 season.

“Yeah, I agree, I mean, we have the best fans, and it’s a tough time,” Trammell said. “This is when we need them, need you more than ever. Just your positivity and love and support. We appreciate you so much.”

The Rundown

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24) of the Dallas Wings returned to her high scoring ways against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Washington Mystics: By the Numbers