As usual, the Lynx opened strong, closing the first quarter with a 24-14 lead. But the second and third quarters were a different story. It didn’t look like the Lynx were playing against the same old Wings. Dallas outscored them in the second quarter 25-22 and then 17-11 in the third. So by the last 10 minutes, we were looking at Minnesota 57, Dallas 56. But that’s exactly where the game turned.
The Lynx went on a dominant 24-9 run in the final quarter, eventually handing the Wings their fifth consecutive loss. Clearly, Dallas had the potential to break their losing streak, and all they needed was to maintain the same energy and execution. But when they didn’t, head coach Chris Koclanes didn’t sugarcoat his postgame assessment.
“Yeah, self-inflicted wounds, right?” he began. Koclanes could see the game slipping in the incomplete shots and the possessions lost. “Some of that is our decision-making, and then some of that is just we have to improve finishing around the rim. Turnovers and missed layups lead to tough situations on the other end, and they definitely took advantage of those tonight,” he added.
May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Wings committed a staggering 17 turnovers compared to Minnesota’s 7. That alone was a red flag. But it got worse: the Lynx converted those turnovers into 24 points—more than double what Dallas managed from Minnesota’s mistakes. But the decision-making woes didn’t stop there. Dallas had just 14 assists on 19 made field goals.
That’s how Minnesota built a lead as large as 17 points, while Dallas never led by more than 2. So yes, the Wings didn’t just lose—they gave the game away. And if you monitor closely, it’s easy to see exactly where things are going wrong.
How are hopes still alive for the Dallas Wings?
Sure, the Wings are sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1–9 record—but there’s more to the story than just numbers. Look a little closer, especially at how they performed in the second and third quarters of recent games, and it’s clear this team has potential. That’s also why head coach Chris Koclanes hasn’t lost hope when it comes to a playoff push. After all, he’s seen what this group is capable of—especially with Arike Ogunbowale leading the charge.
Remember her All-Star MVP performance? She dropped 31 points—and that was against Team USA. Talk about making a statement. And even this season, she’s already put up a monster 37-point game, showing once again why she’s the key piece of this team. So yeah, it makes sense why the coach is betting on her and the squad.
Still, even with a talent like Arike, the Wings’ core is struggling to find their rhythm. The team is dealing with more than just a new roster—it’s also been hit hard by injuries. First, it was Paige Bueckers sidelined before she could even suit up, and then Tyasha Harris followed her to the bench. Both were expected to help carry some of the offensive load and support Ogunbowale. But with them out, Arike’s been left doing a lot more on her own.
“It’s a process,” Coach Koclanes admitted. “I think just continuing to connect with her and help her—is it off the ball, is it on the ball? You know, it’s tough here when you’re playing without a couple of point guards.” Yet, even with all that pressure, Arike still managed to put up 26 points and five rebounds in their latest game against the Lynx. That’s the kind of consistency you want from your star player.
But to turn the corner, Arike can’t do it alone. The Wings need more contributions from the rest of the lineup—especially now that they’re slowly showing signs of life on offense, like they did in the game against the Seattle Storm. So, while the record doesn’t look great right now, the flashes of potential are there. And with Ogunbowale getting more comfortable in the pace and pressure of leading this young team, there’s still hope that Dallas can right the ship—and maybe even surprise a few people along the way.
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