Dallas Wings Showing Signs of Improvement
ARLINGTON — Dallas Wings coach Chris Koclanes and players alike have expressed how eager they’ve been to start the second quarter of the 2025 season, to make a comeback like they would when down in a game.
That optimism wasn’t unfounded. After a first quarter plagued by a 1-10 start, injuries, absences and a lack of team chemistry, the Wings (4–12) look like they could be building toward something great even if their less-than-stellar record may indicate otherwise.
Recent Win Over Atlanta Dream
Wings over Dream: Photos from Dallas’ WNBA matchup at College Park Center
The Wings’ 68-55 win over the Atlanta Dream (10-5), a team they lost to earlier this season, on Tuesday night at College Park Center exemplified that forward progress. It was Dallas’ first victory over a top club in the league, with this one in particular featuring a 10-time WNBA All-Star in Brittney Griner, a recent Rookie of the Year winner in Rhyne Howard and a seasoned veteran in Allisha Gray.
Key Players and Their Contributions
Several players contributed, but Arike Ogunbowale led the way with 21 points on 6-of-14 shooting. She also had four assists and two steals. Rookie Paige Bueckers added 12 points on 6-of-15 shooting, five rebounds and four assists in the marquee win. Center Li Yueru recorded a double double, posting 10 points and 15 rebounds.
“I think we’re finally getting over that hump,” Ogunbowale said. “… We’ve just been sticking with it, trusting each other, trusting our coaches … and I’m glad it’s showing on the court.”
Dallas’ early misfortune started to take a positive turn after the Wings dropped a winnable game against the Las Vegas Aces on June 13.
The Wings led the Aces, without reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson, by 11 points with 3:34 left in the fourth quarter before Las Vegas outscored them 17-2 to win the game in comeback fashion.
Acquisition of Li Yueru and Its Impact
Not even 24 hours later, the Wings acquired Yueru through a trade with the Seattle Storm. Yueru got her first start on Tuesday and showed that she can not only score in a variety of ways, but impact the game outside of getting buckets. She outrebounded Griner 15-6.
“She’s the best post player in the league, so when I play with her I’m so excited,” Yueru said. “I hoped I could show her and do some things.”
Improved Team Performance
By the time the Wings picked up Yueru, Bueckers had been back for two games and showed that rest did her well. Since the second quarter of the season began, the rookie has taken more shots and posted three 20-point games. The Wings also recorded their first win streak of the season with back-to-back victories over the Golden State Valkyries and the Connecticut Sun.
Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, hasn’t been the only one who has found her footing. Fellow rookie and first rounder Aziaha James, who had 11 points on Tuesday, has grown into a key contributor in games despite playing limited minutes early on.
Ogunbowale, who struggled by her standards in the first quarter of the season, has also looked more comfortable. As has Koclanes, who drew criticism during the Wings’ long losing streak.
Since the loss to Vegas, when Koclanes said he needed to take a look in the mirror, he has been more assured in press conferences, more vocal on the sideline and unafraid to make lineup changes that have seemingly helped the Wings, who have made significant strides in less than two weeks.
“[We’ve had] five games in a row since we started this second quarter of the season that we’ve put ourselves in position to win some games,” Koclanes said. “And we’ve done it in a variety of different ways … Just really proud of this group for sticking with it and sticking together.”
Conclusion
The Dallas Wings have shown signs of improvement in the second quarter of the 2025 season. With key players like Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers, and Li Yueru contributing to the team’s success, the Wings are looking to build on their recent wins and make a push for the playoffs. Despite their less-than-stellar record, the team’s chemistry and confidence are growing, and they are starting to show the potential that many expected from them at the beginning of the season.
FAQs
Q: What is the current record of the Dallas Wings?
A: The Dallas Wings have a record of 4-12.
Q: Who led the Wings in scoring in their recent win over the Atlanta Dream?
A: Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 21 points.
Q: What has been the impact of Li Yueru on the team since her acquisition?
A: Li Yueru has made a significant impact on the team, scoring in a variety of ways and outrebounding Brittney Griner 15-6 in her first start.
Q: How has coach Chris Koclanes changed his approach since the loss to the Las Vegas Aces?
A: Coach Koclanes has been more assured in press conferences, more vocal on the sideline, and unafraid to make lineup changes, which have seemingly helped the team.
