ARLINGTON, TX- The Dallas Wings dominated the floor Friday night against the Atlanta Dream, getting their first win in the first round of the playoffs. The unicorn, Satou Sabally, led the Wings to a victory with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Atlanta Dream fell to the Wings 94-82. Atlanta had a strong start to the game but eased the pressure heading into halftime.
Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray combined for 57 points, knocking down shots from the outside.
What Atlanta will need to improve on heading into game two is sinking shots. The team shot 36.8% from the field, completing 28 of 76 attempts. More shots attempts need to come from down the roster, as Howard and Gray cannot score for the entire team in a matchup against an aggressive team like Dallas.
For the Wings, they have the depth and talent to get a second win, but will need to continue to control the pace and score. The Wings were able to shoot 48.6% from the field and grabbed 44 total rebounds.
Dallas will need to see the same, if not more, knocked down shots by Arike Ogunbowale, Natasha Howard and Sabally. Teaira McCowan also had an impactful game and will be a dominant post presence on the floor.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas saw how impactful Odyssey Sims was off the bench. Sims pressured the basketball and disrupted the Dream offense. They will need to see that from her yet again to shut Atlanta and establish an early lead.
These two teams will go head-to-head Tuesday September 19, tip-off is at 8 pm at College Park Center.
