ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Dallas Wings came up short in the last minute of the game and Las Vegas took the win 64-61.
The Las Vegas Aces opened game three with fast ball movement, at first, but Dallas would take the lead.
Teaira McCowan was an important post presence and had great defensive coverage on Vegas’ Jackie Young. McCowan ended the first quarter with five rebounds and two steals.
With 2:45 to go McCowan grabbed an offensive rebound and passed to Awak Kuier who sunk her first three of the game to bring the Wings within four points with a score of 11-15. Arike Ogunbowale made a layup in 3-man traffic to tie the game at 15 all.
Natasha Howard had a huge impact in the second quarter. She opened the quarter sinking a 3 to make it a 21-16 Dallas lead. The Wings’ defense held Vegas to no points run until 8:03 when Alysha Clark drained a three point shot to end the 5-0 Dallas run. Dallas still lead Vegas 23-19.
Dallas took the lead going into halftime with a 5-point lead. Veronica Burton got a steal off the Aces, passed to Arike Ogunbowale who sunk back-to-back threes, 34-29. Ogunbowale contained Kelsey Plum, and Satou got the defensive rebound that was passed to Howard for a good layup, 36-29.
Chelsea Gray made a 2-pointer, 31-36, into halftime.
The Wings maintained the lead until 1:41 left in the fourth quarter. Dallas left 8 incomplete free throws on the court and Arike Ogunbowale had a personal foul on Alysha Clark. Clark made 1 of her two attempts giving Las Vegas a 1-point lead.
Ogunbowale had a personal foul with 2.1 seconds left on Aces Jackie Young who went 2-2 from the line to close the game 64-61.
Head Coach Latricia Trammell said postgame that this is a completely new staff with only three returners and is proud of the run they made this season.
“We made franchise history this season,” said Trammell. “A new staff, only three returners from last season, I would go to battle with this group any day. I am extremely proud of them.”
The Dallas Wings 2023 season has come to an end and the Las Vegas Aces make their second consecutive appearance in the WNBA Finals.
