ARLINGTON, TX- The Dallas Wings took on the Phoenix Mercury for the second time in three days, this time the contest was taken to Arlington, where the Wings took their second straight win against them winning 100-90.
Skylar Diggins electrified the court, leading the team to the win, scoring 20 points for the night. Diggins was 8-for-12 on the floor, and shot 50 percent from the free throw line. It was the second 20-point game for the all-star guard.
Odyssey Sims, Glory Johnson and Jordan Hooper hit double digits for the night. Johnson recorded her second straight double-double, registering 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Sims hit 10 of her 17 points in the second half, sealing the win once again for the Wings. Hooper, also came in strong going 3-for-3 behind the three-point line, finishing the night with 11 points.
DeWanna Bonner led the night for the Mercury with 26 points, and Diana Taurasi finished scoring 19.
The Wings return to action for their second of three home stand games. Up next for the Wings are the San Antonio Stars on June 23, and the Indiana Fever, June 25. Tickets are still available for purchase at www.dallaswingsbasketball.com.
Dallas Wings Post Game Notes
-Dallas shot .528 (38-72) from the field tonight, a new season high for the team (previous high- .524 vs. Seattle on June 16). The Wings are 2-0 this season when shooting higher than 50 percent. The Wings shot .529 (9-17) from deep tonight, also a season-high for the team. (Previous high- .444 vs. LA on 6/11).
-After leading the team with 27 in the triple overtime win at Phoenix, Skyler Diggins dropped team-high 20 tonight, her third game in double figures this season (13 vs. LA on 6/11, 27 at PHO). Diggins is averaging 14.0 points per game since her June 11th return.
-Odyssey Sims dished out nine assists tonight, tying her season-high (vs. WAS on 6/8) and one short of her career high.
-Glory Johnson notched her second straight double-double (second this season) with 16 points and 10 rebounds, both season highs.
-Tonight was the first time all 12 players on the roster played in a single game for the Wings this season.
WINGS HEAD COACH FRED WILLIAMS
(On tonight’s win)
“It’s a good sign. We’ve been fortunate to have all 12 players. We started the first few games without everyone, so now we can rotate players in and different combinations of speed and size. It helps a lot. (Wings guard) Skylar (Diggins) has been on point for us on the floor. I was very pleased with Odyssey Sims and her play. We had good team defense in the second half.”
(On the Sims/Diggins duo)
“It’s a good advantage to have when you have two players who score from the outside, penetrate, and drive. Skylar and O really feed off each other. They are still learning each other on the court. It’s a good advantage to have. It’s like having Steph Curry and Thompson out there in a way. I’m very pleased how they share the basketball and get their teammates involved.”
(On Odyssey’s aggression)
“I talked to her and told her if you’re going to attack tonight, you need to attack quick and hard and fast, because (Brittney) Griner is waiting. I put on the board to the team, there first step is important if it’s getting to the rim or going to the boards. In basketball, if you can get your first two steps quick on anything, you’re going to be a step ahead of your opponents. I felt tonight everyone took that challenge.”
GUARD ODYSSEY SIMS
(On tonight’s game)
“We’ve won three games in a row coming off of a five game losing streak. We are clicking right now. Everything is just going well. We’re having fun. We’re sharing the ball, smiling, high-fiving. That’s always fun. We’re just playing some basketball and trying to get some W’s.”
(On the team’s energy)
“We’ve been starting the games off better. That’s something we had struggled to do. We’re using that energy and taking it in to the next three quarters.”
GUARD SKYLAR DIGGINS
(On her last three games)
“I’ve been getting into the rhythm and getting into the game. My teammates have been finding me. The last game we were playing desperate, down 17, and just wanted to make it a game. We’re just playing together. We’re finally all on the court. All 12 of us are available to play. We’re slowly starting to gel coming off of a six game skid. Now on a three game winning streak, two coming against a championship caliber team. That’s great momentum for us heading into this week. We have two more coming up. We have so many games this season, it’s a good thing to have short-term memory. Think of it as one-game series. Take it one game at a time. Like O said, we’re just having fun again.”
(On being taken out of the game after two fouls)
“It’s just my competitive nature. I’m a competitor. I just want to be in there and be productive for my team. Nothing more or less than that. Just be productive for my team.”