The Dallas Wings were riding a victory wave with two straight wins in their belt. But the streak came to an abrupt halt. A shocking 91-88 defeat against the Washington Mystics dragged the team back into a heap of losses. While they threatened the opponents in the second quarter with a swift 31-13 lead under their belt, even these exceptional scores were not enough. Eventually, the roster saw the game being dragged as the 84-84 tie slipped away in the overtime.
Despite several accusations revolving around the absence of the dynamic duo, Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers managed to delivered a power-packed performance on the hardwood. Ogunbowale finished with 27 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists as Bueckers added 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. But unfortunately, the Wings’ head coach Chris Koclanes was not convinced.
A reporter reached out to Koclanes in a post-game interview and questioned, “I know that you go off what the data shows. So, how would you evaluate your team’s ability to close out games with the lead?” Looking at the string of poor statistics inspite of being a good-looking team on paper, the reporter aimed at the heart of the Dallas Wings and how! What followed was a 6 second silence over the locker room decision. The silence was deafening and indicated troubles in paradise. However, Chris ultimately broke his silence, in what seemed like a forced ritual, before letting out a long sigh. And what came next was enough to shake the roster.
Koclanes took accountability for the team’s overall performance in the previous matchup and hinted at the Wings’ failed execution, especially towards the last quarter. “I mean, I think we can be better in special situations down the stretch here,” Chris Koclanes said. Despite ending with 38 rebounds, the Wings displayed a poor deliverance with a total of 19 turnovers, 37.5% of field goal shots, and 32% successful three-pointers against an aggressively young roster.
Hinting at massive amount of ball turns and out-of-bound plays that the Dallas Wings have indulged in this season, the HC stated that he can extend help to his locker room.”I can be better in helping them and then again just talking to shot selection and the right actions,” Chris mentioned. “And getting the ball where it needs to go. So, always looking inward and finding ways to to improve in all areas.”
The team desperately needs to rework on managing their shot clock, that lasts only 24 seconds in the W. But what was surprising was that instead of positive affirmations or pressing upon his usual “one game at a time” approach, HC Chris Koclanes finally opened his eyes to see the persistent realities within the roster and yesterday’s starting line-up. His un-minced words were a direct threat to the locker room’s ugly issues that need to be overlooked.
Though he promised to help the team come out of their miseries by guiding them through decision-making during crutch moments, isn’t it too late for these realisations? And as one of the last standing teams in the league’s regular games standings so far, securing a comfortable spot is crucial for the franchise. Especially at this juncture. However, things look bleak for HC Koclanes and the roster if they continue delivering underwhelming performances.
The Washington Mystics rookie has the last laugh
The Washington Mystics secured a remarkable 91–88 overtime win against the Dallas Wings. After all, their rookie sensation in Sonia Citron delivered a career high performance with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists in the game. And if that was not enough, Citron made a 23-foot three point jumper with just 12:02 seconds, and sealed the victory for the mystics.
May 30, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) shoots the ball as New York Liberty guard Rebekah Gardner (7) defends in the second half at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
“Credit to my teammates,” Citron chimed after the game. “Shakira was getting doubled and she found me. And I’ve been struggling from the three, so I was just hoping it went in. I was just happy that it went in.” Referring to her final shot during the final moments of the showdown, Citron was grateful for Austin who assisted the ball and made the magic happen.
While Dallas veterans like Arike Ogunbowale struggled in the second half, Mystics rookies winged the fourth quarter and matched up to the opponents. Having said that, the official Mystics account took a dig at the Wings on social media. “Couldn’t think of any dub puns. Guess we’ll just wing it,” the account posted on X (former Twitter). After all, even rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen displayed domineering playmaking styles.
And before the two team’s lock horns again at the College Park Centre on June 28. 2025, can Dallas Wings avenge the crushing blow or receive another defeat? Guess we’ll have to wait and watch. As the Wings gear up to welcome the 2nd topmost team in the Eastern Conference standings, Paige Bueckers & Co. need to trust HC Chris Koclanes’ in-game decisions and follow his lead if they want to stop falling.
Ogunbowale, Sabally, and their teammates need to trust Koclanes’ in-game decisions and find a way to gel if they want to turn their season around. After being called out for sluggish starts and poor rotations during a 3–12 stretch, the Wings have reached a boiling point. This loss isn’t just a heartbreak, it’s a wake-up call.
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