ARLINGTON, TX — Eleven games too long the Dallas Wings have not been seen in the winning column, but with the addition of Odyssey Sims, the Wings pulled off their first win since late May, taking down the Lynx 94-88.
Arike Ogunbowale bounced back and led Dallas with 23 points, four rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Sims added 18 points followed by Teaira McCowan putting up 17 and Monique Billings with 14.
Teaira McCowan was a reliable first-half scorer and performed well on the glass, ending the game with 12 total rebounds. From the start, Minnesota controlled the game and had a 13-point advantage going into the second quarter. Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. However, things took a turn for the better for Dallas in the second quarter.
The Wings trailed early, 30-18, before making a comeback. With Sims settling in and learning to play with this new group, she did a great job running the offense alongside Arike Ogunbowale, getting players like Natasha Howard involved. However, Minnesota didn’t hold back on guarding Sims, with Natisha Hiedeman pressuring the veteran guard.
Dallas ended the first half on a 13-0 run over the Lynx, with Billings putting up the last points before the half, bringing the score to 45-43, down by two.
The Wings took their first lead late in the third quarter with a layup by Billings bringing the game 68-67 with 1:17 remaining. Dallas continued to build out their lead and were ahead 80-74 mid quarter. Minnesota worked their way back only one point down, 83-84.
On the final plays of the quarter Ogunbowale hit a crucial three-pointer before Sims added four more points with a two point shot and layup. Sheldon closed the game out for Dallas with a complete three with 49 seconds remaining.
Postgame Sims explained that she was very excited to get the phone call from general manager Greg Bibbs. When she got the call she was in Paris playing in a yearly tournament, came back jetlagged Monday and was ready for practice Tuesday. Sims says that she is happy to be back and help get the team back in the win column.
“It’s bittersweet that we are back in the win column,” said Sims. “We are going to try to continue to keep it going and I’ll continue to play my part and do what is asked of me.”
UP NEXT: The Dallas Wings will hit the road to face the Seattle Storm on Saturday, tip-off is 8 p.m
