We’ve seen quite a lot this past week. The Indiana Fever have won two in a row, as have the Washington Mystics. The Las Vegas Aces continue on a downward trend. The Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, and the Minnesota Lynx are holding firm as the top three teams in the standings. The Chicago Sky and the Los Angeles Sparks can’t catch a break.
The Phoenix Mercury and the Atlanta Dream are at .500. Seattle had their six-game streak stopped by Minnesota, then won a pair and then lost. But the Dallas Wings seem to be on a slippery slope onto which someone just poured more oil.
They’ve lost seven in a row. It is easy to say that they’d be doing better with Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard back on the floor. That’s probably true, but there is work to do until that happens. Not that Dallas has made excuses, but if they want to right the ship they’re going to have to find a way.
The Dallas Wings Entering the Matchup Versus the Minnesota Lynx
Dallas comes to Target Center to face the Minnesota Lynx in a Monday night match. The Lynx have proven themselves to be a legitimate contender and will be facing the Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup Final. The skeptics, and there were many, never saw that coming. But from day one, the Lynx looked different.
They played differently, with chemistry, focus, and defense, which has led to much-improved offense. The Lynx are not a flashy team. Even Napheesa Collier, who is in the MVP conversation, is not a media hound. The Lynx simply go out and try to play the best basketball possible.
Aside from Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings have weapons. Maddy Siegrist is having a very good sophomore year, and Monique Billings has added a real punch for the Wings, coming in on a hardship contract. Teaira McCowan is always a threat under the rim, and rookie Sevgi Uzun brings a lot of Euroleague experience to this starting five. But inconsistencies seemed to have plagued the Wings all season.
Sure, they miss Sabally and Howard, but people have to step up. It’s that simple. The Dallas bench, which is not the strongest, needs to contribute more and should be given the chance to do so.
Lynx Playing Like a Complete Team
The Minnesota Lynx, on the other hand, have found production from everyone. This year’s bench is far more impactful than last year’s, and even though Kayla McBride had an off night in their last game, her shooting has been eye-opening at times. McBride, Collier, Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams, and Bridget Carleton have become a formidable starting five. Rookie Alissa Pili, while not getting a lot of minutes, at least not yet, is slowly adapting to the W and gaining more confidence.
excelling on both ends of the floor. 💪
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 15, 2024
⭐️ VOTE » https://t.co/F8iYINEVmH pic.twitter.com/wbPJ6LcnaY
Natasha Hiedeman provides great energy and hustle. Dorka Juhász has matured into a confident and much stronger player. Cecilia Zandalasini seems settled in, Sika Koné, in limited minutes, does the work, and Olivia Époupa, who has quickly become a fan favorite, never fails to boost the team and provides some excellent point guard skills.
So, how does Dallas turn the corner? I happen to side with those who say that there is only so much that a coach can do. You can teach, instruct, get angry, and support, but in the end, it is up to the players to do the job.
What happens Monday night is 100% unpredictable, and no team should ever be taken for granted. That’s not a part of the DNA of either team. Each team has the tools. It’s up to them to use them correctly. There is also no guesswork in what needs to be corrected. It isn’t a mystery and an unsolvable problem. For the Wings, well, figure it out. For Minnesota, keep building on the success. There is still a lot of basketball yet to be played.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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