The last time the Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynx met, the Wings were without Arike Ogunbowale, Natasha Howard, Satou Sabally, and Jaelyn Brown. The Lynx were missing Bridget Carleton and Diamond Miller. The Lynx won 90-78, in what was a well-played game by the Wings up until the fourth quarter. Monique Billings, Maddy Siegrist, and Sevgi Uzun all played well, and the three available bench players, Kalani Brown, Lou Lopez Sénéchal, and Jacy Sheldon, all contributed meaningful minutes.
In today’s matchup in Dallas, the Wings have Ogunbowale and Howard back, and have signed Odyssey Sims, after signing and then waiving Morgan Bertsch. Sims, who has previously played for both Dallas and Minnesota, will most likely see action. Both Siegrist and Sabally remain out. But will these changes be enough to overcome what has been a devastating series of losses for the Wings?
Lynx Coming Off A Win for the Commissioner’s Cup Championship
After capturing the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday, the Minnesota Lynx may have some newfound respect in the league. I say may have because we all know how fickle and petty this league can be, and in some cases would prefer to stick to their idols rather than recognize what is genuinely in front of them. The Lynx are on a seven-game winning streak (although the Commissioner’s Cup game is not reflected in the standings) and the Wings have lost eleven.
they gotta talk about us now. pic.twitter.com/lwFbuQqT7G
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 26, 2024
Is it possible that the Lynx will take a breather? Highly doubtful, particularly after what was a hard-fought and full-team win. Will the addition of Sims and the return of Arike and Howard push the Wings back into the winning column? I don’t think anyone would have predicted that these teams would be where they currently stand at this stage of the season, but I have never had much use for pundits and prognosticators.
The Wings and its Defense in Their Last Matchup Versus the Lynx
Even with a loss, Dallas showed the Lynx an ability to play a complete game as a team. Siegrist’s presence is sorely missed. She provides a sturdy base. While Ogunbowale’s shooting prowess is a lift, I am not sure that Arike offers the same thing. How much the Wings will go to their bench will be interesting to see, particularly if the Lynx continue on their current roll.
I really don’t see the Lynx letting up one bit. That isn’t in the team’s or Cheryl Reeve’s DNA. The Lynx, who were without Carleton the last time, will have her back, coming off of a stellar performance on Tuesday.
Their defense is extremely difficult to maneuver, and when the offense follows suit, they are just one tough team to beat. I don’t think it is unfair to say that Dallas is in disarray, with injuries, changes of players, and a rather large cloud hanging over them. Of course, everyone and their uncle has a solution. I do not, nor would I pretend to know how to correct their current woes. Whatever is keeping the Wings from being successful is known only to them.
In any case, the Wings are not just going to roll over, and the Lynx, regardless of Dallas’s record, will not take them lightly. I’m looking forward to a good afternoon game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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