Chicago, IL – The Dallas Wings punched their ticket to the WNBA 2017 playoffs tonight with a 99-96 win over the Chicago Sky. The playoff berth marks as the first time the team has solidified themselves in the post season since moving to Dallas.
The team currently ranks seventh in the league to clinch their way in the playoffs, and are a ½ game back from the Mercury and the sixth spot.
After a slow first half, the Wings came back dominating the floor scoring nine points to tie up the game in the third. The team then took over the game 15 seconds later, when Skylar Diggins-Smith was sent to the line and made the shot to put the Wings up by one (58-57). Glory Johnson followed Diggins-Smith a few seconds later with the rebound to sink the basket and put the Wings up by three, leading in total boards for the night, along with Karima Christmas-Kelly with nine.
The Wings biggest lead for the night was 11, which was recorded in the fourth quarter. Later in the quarter, the Sky started gaining in on the Wings, tying it 96 all with 1:48 left on the clock. Diggins-Smith stopped the Sky after being sent to the line to sink in a shot and put the Wings up by one, which would allow them to score two more points with 7.1 second left at the line to solidify the win.
Defensively the Wings had a grand performance recording 40 total boards, 11 steals and six blocked shots. Diggins-Smith led the team in blocked shots recording a new career high of four, stopping three of the Sky’s shots in the first quarter alone.
Diggins-Smith led the team for the night recording 28 points, along with eight assists, while Glory Johnson brought in 25 points. Rookie Allisha Gray also saw double figures, ending the night with 11. Off the bench, Aerial Powers came in strong bringing in eight points and five total boards.
The Wings will finish the 2017 regular season at home this Sunday, September 3, when they host the New York Liberty for Fan Appreciation Day. To thank fans for their support during the 2017 season and to celebrate the final game of the regular season lucky fans will receive prizes and everyone in attendance can purchase $1 hot dogs at all concession stands, save on Wings apparel with merchandise discounts and take home a commemorative team photo. Tickets are still available for this Sunday’s game. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 817.469.9464 or by visiting dallaswings.com