WNBA: Dallas Wings’ poor record was about more than injuries

Last season, after securing the No. 4 seed, sweeping their first-round playoff series, and challenging the eventual champs in the semifinals, the Dallas Wings seemed to be on the rise.

With a talented team that had struggled to reach their potential, the Wings finally started to shine. Led by two standout stars, they looked to be heading towards contender status, being the only team to defeat the league’s top three teams – the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Connecticut Sun – during the 2023 season.

However, in 2024, the Wings fell hard. They ended with a 9-31 record, landing them in eleventh place in the final standings. They also endured losing streaks of 11 and nine games.

While injuries played a part in Dallas’ downfall, the organization cannot solely blame health for the team’s failures if they want to quickly return to contender status. The 2024 season exposed underlying weaknesses that could threaten to make the 2023 season the peak of the Arike Ogunbowale-Satou Sabally era for the Wings.

Here’s a closer look at what went right, what went wrong, and what lies ahead for the Wings:

What went right in Dallas?

Arike is still Arike

Despite criticisms, Arike Ogunbowale continued to excel, showcasing her offensive prowess and versatility. She remained the leading scorer in Wings franchise history, proving to be a star worth building around.

Satou is still Satou

Satou Sabally also maintained her impact on the court, displaying aggressive offense and impressive shooting skills. Her potential for growth and improvement in the upcoming season is promising.

Sheldon, Siegrist are keepers

Maddy Siegrist and Jacy Sheldon, the Wings’ recent draft picks, showed promise and potential for future success. Their contributions and development will be key for the team’s improvement.

What went wrong in Dallas?

Defense

Defensive struggles plagued the Wings this season, with their defense rating hitting a new low. The team’s inability to defend effectively was a major contributing factor to their disappointing performance.

More defense (or lack thereof)

Dallas ranked poorly in defensive categories, allowing opponents to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their defensive weaknesses were evident in various aspects of the game, leading to subpar results.

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