Once again, it’s a loss. After selecting the No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers in the draft, the Dallas Wings had all eyes on them. The hype was real, the expectations were sky-high, and the fans were hopeful. But so far, the results have been anything but satisfying. With their 79-71 loss to the Seattle Storm on Monday, the Wings have now dropped their second straight game—and the frustration is beginning to show. But, this one stings even more because it was within reach.
Playing at home, Dallas had a real shot at bouncing back. They trimmed a 15-point halftime deficit to just three early in the fourth quarter. But just when it looked like the momentum was swinging their way, everything unraveled. So, what went wrong? Well, Head Coach Chris Koclanes has an answer for that.
Despite some promising moments—like a late third-quarter push and Bueckers leading the team with 19 points—Dallas struggled with some glaring issues: poor ball movement, rushed shot selection, and a frustrating lack of trips to the free-throw line.
In contrast, Seattle played smart, controlled basketball. The Storm racked up 25 assists to the Wings’ 19, found open shooters, and knocked down 9-of-15 from three-point range—a scorching 60%. Meanwhile, Dallas managed just 4-of-19 from deep (21.1%) and finished with a lower field goal percentage overall (37%).
The lack of rhythm in Dallas’ offense was obvious, especially late in the game. After closing the gap to 64-61, the Wings managed just one field goal in nearly four minutes while Seattle responded with an 8-0 run. That was the final blow.
According to Coach KoClanes, the breakdown came from a lack of discipline in execution. During a timeout, he urged his team to simplify and play smarter. “I challenged the team in one timeout. I think we can be tougher around the rim. I think as a team in general, you’ll get more calls if you put your chin right to the square and go high off the glass. And then we take the best shot available. So if that’s a three or a two, you know, trust your teammate, trust the play, make the simple play. And when you’re open, shoot.”
May 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) and Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes talk against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
And that’s right. At times, Dallas looked rushed. Instead of swinging the ball or letting the offense develop, players took early, contested shots. There was little patience. That not only hurt their field goal percentage but also limited their ability to draw contact and get to the line—something that can help break scoring droughts. They attempted 19 free throws and made just 13.
The Wings also struggled with second-chance opportunities, allowing Seattle to control the defensive glass and dictate tempo. While Dallas did win the overall rebounding battle (44-37), they couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most. Turnovers also haunted them, leading to 19 points for the Storm.
The post Dallas Wings HC’s Mid-Game ‘Challenge’ To Paige Bueckers & Co. Proven Futile As Seattle Storm Expose Key Weakness appeared first on EssentiallySports.
