Howard Shines But Wings Stumble: Mercury Soar to 104-96 Victory

by: D’Joumbarey A. Moreau

Arlington, TX (July 3, 2024) – Natasha Howard scored a career-high 36 points and grabbed a game-best 11 rebounds, but the Dallas Wings fell to the Phoenix Mercury 104-96 on Wednesday night at College Park Center. This game marked the halfway point of the season for both teams, with the Wings dropping to 4-16 and the Mercury advancing to 10-10.

Starters and Bench Brilliance

While the Lynx showcased a robust lineup featuring B. Carleton and K. McBride, it was the Wings’ roster that truly sparkled. N. Howard and T. McCowan fortified the defense, and Arike Ogunbowale’s offensive firepower dazzled the crowd, amassing 23 points including five 3-pointers.

Four-time WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale added 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Odyssey Sims contributed 13 points and a team-high six assists. Ogunbowale and Howard combined for 62 points, matching the Wings’ season high for the most points scored by two players in a game (Ogunbowale 40; Maddy Siegrist 22, at Phoenix, 5/25/24).

A Thrilling Comeback Attempt

The Wings trailed by as many as 18 points early in the third quarter, 61-43, but rallied with a 33-point third quarter. They got within two points, 76-74, with 1:39 left in the quarter after shooting nearly 70% from the field and 50% from three-point range during that period. Howard scored 14 of her 36 points during this stretch, with Sims contributing nine.

Phoenix extended their lead back to double digits, 86-76, early in the fourth quarter. However, Sims and Howard narrowed it to a six-point game, 86-80, with 7:05 remaining. The Mercury held a nine-point lead, 90-81, but the Wings responded with an 8-1 run, pulling within two points, 91-89, with 4:27 left. Despite their efforts, the Wings fell short, with Kahleah Copper’s game-clinching three-pointer sealing the win for Phoenix with 23.4 seconds remaining.

Standout Performances

Copper led Phoenix with 34 points, including 3-of-4 from deep, and all five Mercury starters scored in double figures. Natasha Cloud added 11 points and a game-high 10 assists. The Mercury shot 55.4% from the field and 47.8% from three-point range.

Notable Statistics for Dallas

Despite the loss, Dallas had several notable performances. They won the rebounding battle by 10, marking the third time this season they have achieved a double-digit rebounding advantage and the second time against the Mercury. The Wings attempted a season-high 34 free throws and made a season-best 25, with Howard setting career highs in both makes and attempts (13-17). They committed just 11 turnovers, their second-fewest in a game this season, and their bench outscored the Mercury’s reserves, 16-5. Sims and Ogunbowale combined for 11 assists, with Dallas recording at least 20 assists in a game for the 10th time this season.

The Wings shot 49.3% from the field but were limited to 29.4% (5-17) from three, with Ogunbowale accounting for three of the team’s five makes from downtown. Howard’s double-double was her second of the season, the first since a 15-point, 13-rebound showing in the season-opening win over the Chicago Sky. In four games with Dallas, Sims has averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Dallas held the advantage in points in the paint (42-36), second-chance points (22-10), and fast break points (11-5), marking just the fourth time this season the Wings have outscored their opponent in fast break points.

Upcoming Game

The Wings’ stretch of six games in 11 days continues on Friday when they host the Atlanta Dream at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air nationally on Ion, with Ron Thulin, Fran Harris, and ShaVonne Herndon on the call.

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