Arike Ogunbowale appeared from the shadows for the Dallas Wings. After looking out of sync for a few games, she stamped her authority against the reigning champions, the New York Liberty. Ogunbowale put up a 20-point, 14-assist performance to lead the Wings to a dominant 92-82 win. It was the veteran’s 1st double-double of the season, which included a career high in assists, and tied the WNBA’s single-game assist record.
It was the first time the duo of Ogunbowale and Bueckers clicked as the star rookie scored 20 and assisted 4. Ogunbowale admitted after the game, “I think it’s more communication. We made it a point to communicate more with each other and pick each other up if we saw something going on. Just building that relationship and that chemistry.” Their partnership has ignited just when it matters most this season, a powerful boost for the Wings as they gear up for their next challenge against the formidable Atlanta Dream, a rival every bit as fierce as the Liberty.
The Dream is coming off a somewhat disappointing display against the Valkyries. Their big duo of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner was outbounded 34-27 as they lost 77-75 with a final-second winner from Cecilia Zandalasini, and Griner failed to equalize with the final shot of the game. Jones and Griner looked toothless as both failed to get to the double digits. Jordin Canada and Naz Hilmon shone going forward with 21 and 14 points, respectively. However, as Canada said, they were “very lackadaisical on the defensive end.” However, they will learn from their mistakes in the future and look to bounce back against the Wings. Let’s look at the injury situations of both teams, predicted line-ups, and a match preview, along with a prediction.
Dallas Wings Vs Atlanta Dream: Injury Report
Dallas Wings
Maddy Siegrist remains out with a right knee injury she sustained earlier in the season. The Wings have not provided an exact return date, but some sources estimate her next opportunity to suit up could be around August or later. It could be as early as August 1, in their game against the Indiana Fever, per injury projections, though this is not confirmed. Along with Siegrist, Tyasha Harris remains ruled out after undergoing surgery on her left knee in June.
Atlanta Dream:
Rhyne Howard remains ruled out for the matchup against the Wings after sustaining a left knee hyperextension injury earlier in July. She was ruled out for the “rest of July,” so we could have an update regarding her status soon. There are no new additions to the Dream’s report except for Howard.
Dallas Wings Vs Atlanta Dream: Predicted Starting 5
Dallas Wings:
Luisa Geiselsoder
Arike Ogunbowale
Paige Bueckers
JJ Quinerly
Haley Jones
Atlanta Dream:
Brionna Jones
Brittney Griner
Allisha Gray
Jordin Canada
Maya Caldwell
Dallas Wings Vs Atlanta Dream: Game Preview And Prediction
The Wings and the Dream currently stand evenly matched at 1-1 this season. Early on, the Dream capitalized on a raw and underprepared Dallas squad, while the Wings bounced back to claim victory on their home court in their most recent encounter. Since then, both teams have undergone significant transformations. Dallas has reverted to inconsistency, whereas the Dream, despite recent setbacks, has demonstrated steady progress, marked by key wins over the Mercury and the Lynx. Now sitting at 15-11, the Dream have emerged as the more reliable and formidable team overall.
For the Wings, Arike and Bueckers will be key once again as both are in great form. Since the break, Ogunbowale has scored at least 16 points in four straight games, averaging 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 32.0 minutes per game. She’s visibly steadier, more controlled, and notably, more comfortable letting the game come to her. Bueckers has continued her form, averaging 18.4 points and 5.6 assists in the last five games. Their connection has improved, and they will need to be on top of their game again to get past this Dream side.
July 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) celebrate during the second half against the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Even with that blip, the Dream have shown exceptional performances, using their bigs while having outside shooters like Alisha Gray and Jordin Canada. Their variety, combined with a high-intensity defense, makes them one of the top dogs. The Valkyries managed to hold Griner off, but the Wings are a different kind of team. They are not as defensively solid as the Valkyries, with the 10th-best defense in the league this year. Bueckers and Co. will need to work hard to contain Canada and Griner, as they can quickly overwhelm their defense. The Dream are the favourites to win this matchup according to the ESPN Predictor, with a 57.1% chance of securing a win. Dallas is also in the game, having exposed vulnerabilities in the Dream’s defense, but the question remains whether they have the tools to capitalize on these weaknesses.
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