Dallas Wings: Currently Streaming ‘Figure It Out’ in 4K! It Will Get Better!

The Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky matched up again for the second straight game Saturday night in a fast-paced game that showcased the Sky’s clutch execution and the Wings’ gritty but unfinished blueprint.

The Sky edged out Dallas 94-83, handing the Wings their sixth loss in seven games this season.

Chicago leaned on their sharpshooting guard Ariel Atkins, who delivered in a big way. Atkins poured in 26 points, including a first-half burst that set the tone early.

Angel Reese continued her dominant ways.

The super sophomore remained a dominant force inside with scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Meanwhile veteran point guard, Courtney Vandersloot quietly filled the stat sheet with 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

The Sky’s efficiency offensively wasn’t astounding. The Sky shot 41.1% from the floor, and a less than stellar 28.6% from the three point line. However, their supremacy from the free throw line was evident making (26 of 32) and timely 3-pointers (eight made) proved decisive in the tug-of-war.

Young, Fast, Aggressive — But Still a Work in Progress

However on the other side, Dallas came out with their trademark youth and speed, attacking with energy but struggling to find consistent flow.

NaLyssa Smith led the Wings franchise in scoring with a season-high in points scoring 20 points on an efficient 6-for-12 shooting, emphasizing the team’s need for aggression.

 

“It’s just about being aggressive, playing how I know how to play… tonight I was a lot more aggressive with everything I do.”

DiJonai Carrington echoed that mindset.

 

“I do think that we’ve gotten better each game defensively… I know I have to set the tone on the defensive side of the ball… I want to pull everyone along with me with that aggression, that physicality.”

While the Wings’ effort is undeniable, execution remains the sticking point. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 points but on a rough 5-for-16 shooting night, highlighting Dallas’ ongoing shooting struggles.

Coach Chris Koclanes broke it down.

 

“We want to shoot 3s… it’s just finding that balance. We were really aggressive getting to the rim… I like our aggression to the paint.”

But the finer details — turnovers, game management, possession-to-possession discipline — still trip them up.

 

“The difference between winning and losing is so marginal,” Koclanes said.

Building More Than Just a Roster

This isn’t a team folding under pressure.

 

“Just a togetherness, just a commodity they are building in that locker room,” Koclanes said. “The intangible things… continuing for us to grow as a team together.”

NaLyssa Smith summed up the spirit.

 

“At the end of the day, it’s our job, this is what we love to do… go out every single game and put our heart on the line.”

The Wings playing without their rookie point guard struggled in the half court offense. With Paige Bueckers in concussion protocol, the Wings continue searching for their on court chemistry.

 

“We’re going to explore all different combinations and lineups until we settle with what works and that might look different from night to night,” Koclanes explained.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s consistency and veteran presence helped them capitalize when it counted, edging out Dallas in a game that felt like a battle of unfinished teams — one further along than the other.

The Cold, Hard Fact

Dallas has now dropped 25 straight games in which they scored 84 points or fewer. It’s a glaring stat that reveals their current ceiling.

But as Carrington said

“We’re not going to roll over and gift teams a game… we’re right there… it’s just going to come as we grow and mesh and figure each other out.”

The question now is what are the Wings building?

A win streak? Not yet. But a foundation? Absolutely.

Youth, grit, speed, and aggression are there — now the Wings just have to figure out how to turn those raw materials into a consistent, competitive team.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s sharp shooting and poise show what the Wings are still chasing.

The blueprint is still being drawn. And the Wings? They’re far from done.