(DALLAS, TX) Just last month the Dallas Wings finished 7-7 and it looked like we were in store for yet another season of inconsistency and blowing major leads. Losing games by less than five points can put a damper on any team’s confidence.
The tides have turned, however.
The Wings have gone 8-2 so far for the month of July and it doesn’t appear that they will lose this momentum any time soon. This is a team that has had the working pieces but couldn’t quite gel them together effectively until more recently.
And the timing couldn’t be better either.
As of now, Dallas (13-9) is one of three teams tied for the fourth best record in the WNBA standings. And the other two teams? Washington and Atlanta.
Tonight’s game could be a tie breaker down the road when it comes to playoff seeding so you can imagine the amount of pressure each team must feel.
Unfortunately for the Mystics, this is the worst possible time to fall into a slump. After dropping three of their last four games, a win tonight would give them a much needed boost of confidence and keep their playoff hopes alive and well.
Dallas is in the perfect position to strike.
Despite their recent struggles, their star forward Elena Delle Donne has etched her name into the history books for being the fastest player to reach 3,000 career points. The 2015 MVP was also recently named a team captain for the 2018 Verizon WNBA All-Star Game on July 28th. She’s always played hard against Dallas averaging 22.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG last season. The Wings shouldn’t take her lightly.
EDD will have to share the spotlight tonight as all eyes will also be on All-Star center Liz Cambage who broke the league’s single-game scoring record of 53 points on Tuesday against New York. The Australian standout has increased her level of intensity throughout the season and it’s paying off—even with the bogus technical calls she gets.
Tonight is game one of a back-to-back for the Wings who will face the Chicago Sky on Friday. Dallas head coach Fred Williams will have to be careful how he spreads the minutes around his starters and the reserve.
All in all, this matchup should be a good one. Tip off is set for 7:00pm on ESPN2.
