ARLINGTON, TX—The Dallas Wings (1-5) are hoping to build momentum from their first win of the season against Atlanta last weekend. Tonight is the final game of their 3-game homestand with the Phoenix Mercury (2-4) coming to town.
The youth led the way for the Wings in their latest contest with rookie Arike Ogunbowale returning from injury and banking in a career-high 17 points. Her partner-in-crime, Allisha Gray, was also a workhorse collecting a season-high 16 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Morale was definitely high in the College Park Center.
Phoenix could use a shift in momentum lately as they’ve dropped back-to-back games. Their star guard, Diana Taurasi, is still recovering from back surgery and won’t be in action for tonight’s matchup. Her return could happen within the next week or so.
In the meantime, Britney Griner and DeWanna Bonner are carrying most of the load for the Mercury. The two vets are among the top five scorers in the league but haven’t had much help elsewhere. Phoenix is scoring 74.5 points per game (10th in the league) on 42.1 percent shooting (7th in the league).
Bonner leads the WNBA with 23.8 points per game and is the only player averaging at least 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists this season.
Both teams are still searching for their identities after dealing with a slew of injuries and other roster changes. Dallas will be without veteran forward Glory Johnson as she heads overseas to play for Montenegro for Eurobasket. As for Phoenix, Yvonne Turner will represent Hungary.
Now would be a good time to slide recent signee Megan Gustafson into the Wings rotation. Head Coach Brian Agler mentioned last week that we could see the Iowa native earning some minutes soon. With Johnson out, the heat is surely on.
KEYS TO A DALLAS VICTORY:
The Wings will have to pour on the pressure early on and keep up with the intensity the Mercury will bring. Closing out games has been a struggle for Dallas and will be costly if they don’t limit Griner and Bonner’s attack.
Tipoff is set for 7:00pm at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX.
