Dallas Wings Fly to Victory Over Minnesota Lynx, 94-88

Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24) of the Dallas Wings smiles leading up to a 94-88 victory over the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

ARLINGTON, Texas — After a tough string of 11 frustrating defeats, the Dallas Wings flew to winning heights on Thursday afternoon at College Park Center, defeating the Minnesota Lynx, 94-88.

The flight toward Dallas’ fourth win of the 2024 WNBA season started off slowly but surely. Teaira McCowan scored 11 of the Wings’ 15 first quarter points while Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton and Nathisa Hiedeman drained basket for the Lynx’s 28 points.

Once the second quarter started, the Wings were in full flight. Arike Ogunbowale made two consecutive treys while Natasha Howard, Kalani Brown and Monique Billings brought the Wings within 10 of Minnesota. Kayla McBride contributed to the fight for the Lynx along with Collier and Dorka Juhász.

Following Collier and Smith drained baskets to make it a 45-30 Lynx lead over the Wings with 3:22 remaining in the second quarter, Dallas called a much needed timeout.

For the final 3:02 of the second quarter, the Dallas Wings were flying at full speed. Jacy Sheldon’s first trey of the game led to a couple of McCowan layups and Monique Billings’ running layup to close the Wings within six of Minnesota with 1:42 remaining.

In the final 69 seconds, Ogunbowale banked both of her shots from the stripe before Billings’ 19′ jumper closed the first half with Dallas narrowing Minnesota’s lead, 45-43.

Sheldon kicked off the third quarter with a finger roll layup just 17 seconds in to tie the score. A couple of threes by Smith and Courtney Williams but Minnesota ahead of Dallas, 51-45, before Ogunbowale, Howard, McCowan, Billings and Odyssey Sims catalyzed the Wings to a 71-70 lead over the Lynx after the third stanza.

The fourth quarter was a total team effort once more for Dallas. Starting off with Sims’ finger roll layup 39 seconds into the quarter, Sevgi Uzun, Billings and Ogunbowale showcased Dallas’ refuse to lose demeanor against this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champions.

Odyssey Sims (No. 2) returned to the Dallas Wings in grand fashion with the game winning basket against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Coming down to the final 3:10 of the game, Sims’ running finger roll layup put Dallas ahead of Minnesota, 89-84. Setting forth on closing out the game, Dallas lost the ball with 2:40 left as a turnover turned into a layup by Collier followed by Carleton’s jumper which brought the Lynx within three points in the final 62 seconds.

With 48.1 seconds on the clock, Sheldon secured the insurance 24′ three pointer that essentially sealed the game. At last, the Wings were victorious and in front of the Dallas faithful with day campers at College Park Center.

It may have been a long road to a fourth win for the Dallas Wings. As Ogunbowale points out, the Wings found motivation with the young day campers who rooted for the team for all 40 minutes.

“I think it’s huge, especially for the kids, especially in timeouts,” Ogunbowale said. “There was a timeout, the game was close and then I hear them singing [“Let It Go” from] Frozen, and then I kind of laughed and smiled. So it kind of broke up the tension a little bit. And just seeing them having fun, that’s just what it’s all about.”

Considering her journey to the WNBA, the Notre Dame alum reflected on why she and her teammates play this highly competitive sport, particularly with those in attendance on Thursday afternoon.

“That’s what we do this for,” Ogunbowale said. “We do this for our families, but our fans and the youth. And when we were younger, we looked up to players like us. So, I’m glad that they can come and enjoy a day and see professional athletes and young girls and boys, see what it could be and what they could become in the future.”

Through the difficult 11-game stretch, Latricia Trammell has instilled positivity and belief in her players. The hard work, determination and belief paid off with Dallas still in striking distance of the eighth and final playoff spot.

There was more than just a sense of pride for Trammell with her squad. She was elated for her team as they can press forward for a two-game set against the Seattle Storm starting Saturday evening and concluding on Monday night.

“I’m just happy for these players,” Trammell said with a smile. “No, I’m not going to cry. I honestly, I just want it so bad for them. And so, I love this group.

“I love this team, love this organization. It’s why I do what I do. And so when I see them be successful, that’s all I can ask for.”

The Rundown

Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24) of the Dallas Wings goes on the attack against Bridget Carleton (No. 6) of the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Minnesota Lynx: By the Numbers

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24) of the Dallas Wings makes one of her five treys against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)