Li Yueru (28) of the Dallas Wings scored the game winning free throws in a dramatic 93-92 win over the Chicago Sky. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Facing a 14-point deficit heading into the final frame, the Dallas Wings orchestrated a furious fourth-quarter rally to stun the Chicago Sky, 93-92, on Saturday night.
The game-winning moment materialized with just 13 seconds remaining when backup center Li Yueru stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank two shots. The clutch performance capped a 36-21 fourth-quarter surge, sending a packed College Park Center into a frenzy and securing Dallas’ most improbable victory of the season.
Chicago Dominates Early Behind Interior Presence
The Sky established control early in the contest through the dominant interior play of Kamilla Cardoso and Azurá Stevens. Cardoso altered multiple shots at the rim and anchored a defense that consistently frustrated the Dallas starting unit. Chicago built an early lead and extended its cushion to 16-6 midway through the opening period following a putback layup by Cardoso.
Dallas struggled to find an offensive rhythm during the first half, battling poor shooting performance from the perimeter. While Arike Ogunbowale and Azzi Fudd kept the score within striking distance with occasional three-point field goals, the Chicago transition offense proved difficult to suppress. Skylar Diggins orchestrated the Sky break efficiently, finding cutting teammates and helping Chicago extend its advantage.
The Sky administrative command remained firm throughout the third quarter. A running layup by Sydney Taylor pushed the Chicago lead to 59-46, and the visitors maintained a 14-point lead at 71-57 entering the final 10 minutes of play.
Coach Challenge Sparks Defensive Intensity
Jessica Shepard (32) of the Dallas Wings sparked the foundation of her team’s rally in a dramatic fourth quarter against the Chicago Sky. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
The entire complexion of the matchup shifted early in the fourth quarter following an administrative pause. With 9:47 remaining on the game clock, the Dallas coaching staff initiated a successful challenge that fundamentally altered the emotional trajectory of the contest.
Following the stoppage, the Wings intensified their full-court pressure and began executing at a highly efficient level. Jessica Shepard initiated the comeback by scoring multiple second-chance buckets in the low post, working directly against the length of Cardoso. Ogunbowale followed with a long-range three-pointer to cut the deficit, while the defensive activity of Fudd disrupted the Chicago perimeter passing lanes.
Dallas forced Chicago into consecutive turnovers and accumulated rapid fouls, entering the bonus tier with a substantial portion of the quarter remaining. The structural change allowed the Wings to stop the clock and chip away at the lead through frequent free-throw opportunities.
Chaotic Final Sequence Seals Victory
Paige Bueckers (5) of the Dallas Wings showcased why she’s a ready for primetime pro player. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
The concluding 36 seconds of the matchup delivered high theater. Trailing 92-86, Dallas benefited from an away-from-play foul assessed to Taylor. Fudd converted the single free-throw opportunity to reduce the margin to five points.
In the words of ESPN sportscaster often reminds viewers, “That’s why they play the game.” Those final moments served as a reminder about the unpredictability and poignant emotions of sports’ timeless appeal.
On the ensuing possession, Paige Bueckers utilized a clear screen on the perimeter, curled toward the wing, and launched a 25-foot three-point attempt. The ball dropped through the net as Natasha Cloud initiated physical contact, resulting in a whistle. Bueckers completed the rare four-point play at the line, making the score 92-91 with 31 seconds remaining.
The defensive pressure forced Cardoso into a critical backcourt turnover immediately following the free throw. With 13 seconds left, Dallas targeted the interior, where Yueru drew the disqualifying sixth personal foul on Cardoso. Yueru converted both free throws to capture the lead. Chicago missed a final mid-range jumper from Jacy Sheldon and a putback attempt by Stevens at the buzzer as time expired.
Dallas Stars Detail Mental Shift in Comeback
Li Yueru (28) of the Dallas Wings stepped up to the plate, answering the bell against the Chicago Sky and Kamilla Cardoso (10). (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
In the post-game press availability, the participants reflected on the strategic changes and mental resilience required to secure the victory.
Shepard highlighted the defensive adjustments that neutralized the Chicago frontcourt.
“Cardoso is a great player and when she gets the ball deep it is really hard to stop her,” Shepard said. “But I think in the second half, Li did a great job of making her catches hard, kind of wearing her down. That was a huge lift for the team.”
Bueckers discussed the psychological approach necessary when individual shooting percentages are low.
“Try to affect the game in other ways,” Bueckers said. “Try to be better defensively, maybe rebound more, get my teammates open a little bit more, and just have positive self-talk. Some nights it is not your night shooting the ball, but until the buzzer sounds, things can always change. That is kind of what we did as a team. We stuck with it. We were resilient.”
When asked about her mindset behind the critical four-point play, Bueckers credited the tactical execution of her teammates.
“Somebody set me a great screen and I saw a little bit of daylight,” Bueckers said. “So I knew I had to go up, just having that confidence. My teammates did a great job of getting me open, and then just trying to knock it down.”
Yueru explained how her prior competitive experiences prepared her for the game-winning free throws.
“I have been in that situation before with the national team,” Yueru said. “So I did not really feel big pressure, but I still feel my heart jumping really fast. I tried to bring a win for our team, and I appreciate my teammates trusting me. I just wanted to focus on that moment and be ready for every second.”
Yueru also emphasized her commitment to serving the organization in any capacity necessary.
“I try to be ready every day and every moment,” Yueru said. “If the team needs me, I try to be my best on the court. If I can’t, I will try to practice more and get better day by day. Sometime if I sit on the bench, I still want to be the best cheerleader and cheer for our teammates. I love to see the win.”
Despite the celebratory environment, Shepard expressed a need for systemic improvement regarding game openings.
“Today as starters we did not do a great job of coming out with the energy and the intensity that we needed on both sides of the ball,” Shepard said. “I think that depends a lot on the starters just being ready from the jump.”
Head Coach Jose Fernandez on Team Resiliency
Azzi Fudd (35) of the Dallas Wings guards against Jacy Sheldon (0) of the Dallas Wings. (Photo: Mason Garcia | The Podium Finish)
Head coach Jose Fernandez praised the structural impact of his bench rotation and addressed the performance of Fudd, who recorded four blocked shots on the evening.
“Azzi did a really good job dynamically,” Fernandez said. “Defensively, she impacted the game with those blocks, but her willingness to fight through screens and stay attached on the perimeter was what really changed the tempo for us in that fourth quarter. We have to clean up our slow starts, but the grit this group showed to stay together down 14 is a testament to their growth.”
Fernandez noted that the successful coach challenge at the 9:47 mark of the fourth quarter served as a tactical reset for the defensive unit. The adjustments allowed Dallas to secure its most productive offensive quarter of the season, scoring 36 points in the final period to secure the victory.
The Wings (10-6) will look to carry the momentum of the fourth-quarter rally into their upcoming, two-game road trip to Seattle on Monday night and Las Vegas on Thursday night, while the Sky (4-11) head to Mohegan Sun Arena for a Monday night matchup against the Connecticut Sun, having 48 hours to analyze the late-game execution errors that led to the defensive breakdown.
Editor’s Note
Mason Garcia, Multimedia Journalist, contributed to this article directly onsite from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
