ARLINGTON, Texas – Within just a few weeks, a team in the WNBA can rise to the third spot in the standings with much promise to look forward to. Just as quickly, that same team can tumble all the way down to the eighth and final spot for playoff contention.
That’s exactly what happened to the Dallas Wings (14-14).
Dropping games against Chicago and Connecticut before the All-Star break was slightly concerning. But it wasn’t until the Wings lost an additional three games (Chicago, Indiana, Washington) that their postseason dreams were about to come crashing down fast.
Despite Liz Cambage playing elite basketball and earning her 13th double-double of the season against Washington, Dallas has not been able to get over this losing slump that has now stretched to five games in a row.
In their last meeting, the Sun (16-12) walked away victorious on the road 92-75. That win jump-started their recent success winning four straight games and in each of those games put up at least 90-point contests. This Cinderella-like team went from clinging to the eighth spot in the standings to now the fifth. The Las Vegas Aces were once 1.5 games back from the Sun but have now fallen four games and just like that the Wings have the Aces sneaking up on them in the standings.
The Sun have improved their offense during the winning streak shooting above 50 percent and if they can keep their hot hand a run for the franchise’s first title seems possible.
Connecticut has been able to rally together behind Jasmine Thomas who just hit a career-high 30 point against the Aces, Courtney Williams who’s averaging nearly 20 points during the 4-game win streak, and consistent bench production. But you can’t forget about All-Star Chiney Ogwumike who is always going to bring intensity on both ends of the court.
Dallas has been without their star point guard, Skylar Diggins-Smith, who missed the last two games with a facial injury. She is ruled questionable for tonight’s matchup and I’m sure Dallas wouldn’t mind the help.
After tonight, just five games remain in the regular season for the Wings as they continue to push for the playoffs. In those remaining games, four out of the five are in playoff contention. This final stretch will be a true test of Dallas’ grit when all odds seem to be against them.
Either way, it’s time to fight or flight.
Tipoff is set for 7:00pm CT at the College Park Center with coverage on NBATV.
