ARLINGTON, TX – The Dallas Wings (7-17) will host the Los Angeles Sparks (15-8) for the final time in the regular season at the College Park Center. The series is currently split at (1-1) where the home team has walked away victorious.
Dallas’ rotation will look a bit different in tonight’s game as a result of an altercation when the Wings were visiting the Phoenix Mercury on August 10. Brittney Griner and Kristine Anigwe threw punches at each other during the fourth quarter causing both benches to clear and chaos to ensue. At least four players were ejected from the game that Dallas eventually won 80-77—not exactly the best way to earn the first road win of the season.
The WNBA announced on Tuesday the suspensions of Griner (3 games), Anigwe (2 games), Kayla Thornton (2 games), Diana Taurasi (1 game), and Kaela Davis (1 game). Taurasi, Davis, and DeWanna Bonner were also fined $500 each for leaving the bench area and engaging with the opposing team. Griner, Anigwe, and Thornton will all begin their suspensions tonight while Davis will begin her suspension on Sunday.
The Wings have their work cut out for them to say the least against a red-hot LA Sparks team who has won eight of their last nine games. Their current five game win streak is the longest active in the league.
Nneka Ogwumike is averaging 17.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while Chelsea Gray is also putting in work averaging 13.6 points and six rebounds. The Sparks have consistent scorers from top to bottom and average nearly 80 points on 42 percent shooting. This is a dangerous team that is gaining momentum at the perfect time.
Although the Wings will be without a key defender in Thornton, they still have rookie Arike Ogunowale to provide an offensive spark in clutch situations. Ogunbowale has dropped 20 plus points at least eight times this season, which leads all rookies.
Dallas has other weapons with Allisha Gray sinking three-pointers and Isabelle Harrison being dominant in the paint. However, it will take grit and concrete defensive play to lock down a team like Los Angeles.
Tipoff is set for 7:00pm CT at the College Park Center and will air on FOX Sports Southwest.
