By: Alyssa Merritt
The Dallas Wings, in their final contest before the All-Star break turned in a record-breaking performance against the Minnesota Lynx, securing a massive 107-67 victory. The +40 scoring differential represents the second-largest differential in the league this season and is the second win by 40+ points this season (LVA over SEA 5/20). The win is only the 16th time in WNBA history a team has won by 40+ points. The 40-point margin of victory is the largest in Wings franchise history (previous high was 37 in 2000).
In the opening quarter, the Wings’ efficient offensive and defensive strategies quickly put the Lynx on their heels. The Wings capitalized on Lynx’s turnovers, netting six quick points, marking an 8-0 run. The offensive prowess of the Wings was on full display, feeding the ball to Teaira McCowan in the post, with the Wings scoring 18 points in the paint, leaving the Lynx at only six. The Wings showcased impressive teamwork, notching nine assists on 13 field goals, and finished the quarter with a nine-point lead at 28-19, while shooting 57% from the field. Satou Sabally led the Wings in scoring with 10 points, while Natasha Howard added six.
The Lynx attempted a comeback in the second quarter, resorting to an aggressive defensive playstyle, but the Wings had their number. The Wings pushed back, extending their lead to 13 points, causing the Lynx to call for a full timeout. The Wings maintained their dominance in the paint, doubling the Lynx’s score in this area with a 30-14 difference. The second quarter came to a close with the Wings leading, 50-34. Howard led the Wings at half 13 points and seven rebounds, while Sabally contributed 10 points. Ogunbowale dished out five assists at the half way point.
The third quarter saw Howard drain a 24-foot three-pointer to kick things off, courtesy of Arike Ogunbowale’s sixth assist. The Wings’ offense was relentless, extending the lead to 23 points within the first three minutes, forcing another Lynx timeout. The quarter ended 81-52 in the Wings’ favor, with an outstanding shooting performance shooting 61.9% from the field, as the Wings poured in 31 points.
The fourth quarter saw the Wings continue their scoring sequence, with Sabally hitting two quick three-pointers. The Wings’ defense effectively stifled the Lynx, holding their top player, Napheesa Collier, to 11 points, significantly lower than her season average (21.8 PPG). Dallas finished the game with a 107-67 win.
It was truly a night for the record books. Howard achieved her eighth double-double of the season, scoring 28 points and hitting a new season-high of 14 rebounds. Sabally ended with an impressive 19 points, including shooting 62.5% from behind the arc. McCowan reached a new season-high in points, with 19 on 89% shooting (8-9 FG), while also adding six rebounds. Ogunbowale recorded her first double-double of her career, with 18 points and a career-high 11 assists, also adding three steals. Awak Kuier finished off the night with a season high in scoring with eight points.
The Wings now enter the All-Star break as Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally will head to Las Vegas. Next up, the Dallas Wings head to New York to face the Liberty on July 19th at 12:00 p.m. CT. Fans can catch all the live action on Bally Sports Southwest Extra.