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WNBA Game Preview: Dallas Wings Set for Season Series Decider Against Washington Mystics

ARLINGTON, Texas (Aug. 10, 2025) – The Dallas Wings close out a busy weekend at College Park Center on Sunday afternoon, hosting the Washington Mystics in a pivotal interconference matchup. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT, with live coverage on CBS Sports Network and locally on KFAA29. Veteran broadcasters Ron Thulin and Fran Harris will be courtside, joined by reporter Tiffany Bias-Patmon.

The contest marks the finale of the Wings’ Inspiring Women Weekend presented by GEM (Girls Empowered by Mavericks), an annual celebration recognizing trailblazing women in sports, business, and the community. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive complimentary sunglasses, while College Park Center’s concourse will feature a marketplace of female-owned businesses. In-game recognitions will spotlight former Dallas Wings standouts and community leaders.

Series on the Line
Dallas (8-23) and Washington (13-17) split their first two meetings of 2025, each protecting home court. On June 22 in Washington, the Mystics edged the Wings 91-88 in overtime behind a balanced scoring effort, despite a dominant 27-point performance from Arike Ogunbowale. Six days later in Arlington, Dallas responded with a 79-71 victory, led by Aziaha James’ 15 points and an aggressive defensive effort that limited Washington to 39% shooting.

With the season series knotted at 1-1 and the Mystics holding a narrow 43-41 edge in the all-time series, Sunday’s matchup will serve as the tiebreaker.

Star Power on Display
This game features a rare concentration of young star talent, with three of the top four picks from April’s WNBA Draft sharing the floor. Dallas rookie guard Paige Bueckers—the No. 1 overall pick—is listed as probable after missing Friday’s game against New York due to a back injury. Washington counters with No. 3 pick Sonia Citron and No. 4 selection Kiki Iriafen, both of whom have made immediate impacts for the Mystics. All three rookies were selected to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, underscoring the high level of skill and marketability they bring to the league.

Bueckers’ return would provide a significant boost to Dallas’ offense. In her absence Friday, the Wings’ bench stepped up, outscoring New York’s reserves 44-20 in an 88-77 loss. Maddy Siegrist, playing in just her second game back from injury, delivered 15 points on efficient shooting, while Myisha Hines-Allen—listed as probable for Sunday with a left ankle issue—added 12 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.

Keys for Dallas
To secure a win, the Wings will need to replicate their defensive intensity from the June 28 meeting, when they held the Mystics under 75 points. Transition defense will be critical, as Washington thrives on pushing the pace with Citron’s versatility and Iriafen’s mobility in the frontcourt.

Dallas will also lean heavily on Ogunbowale, who continues to be a steady scoring force. Her ability to draw fouls and convert at the line could be pivotal against a Mystics defense that ranks in the middle of the league in opponent free-throw attempts. Inside, Li Yueru and Luisa Geiselsöder will be tasked with controlling the glass and limiting second-chance opportunities.

Mystics Outlook
Washington enters Sunday battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference and looking to rebound from recent inconsistency. The Mystics have a balanced attack, but much of their success hinges on the inside-out combination of Iriafen and veteran leadership in the backcourt. Defensively, they will focus on limiting Dallas’ paint production after allowing 50 points in the key to New York on Friday.

What’s Next
Following Sunday’s matchup, the Wings embark on a road trip to face Western Conference rivals, while Washington will continue its push toward the postseason with a series of crucial games against conference opponents.

For Dallas, a victory on Sunday would not only secure the season series but also serve as a morale boost in a challenging season. For Washington, it’s an opportunity to tighten its playoff grip while showcasing the promise of its young core.

With marquee rookies, proven veterans, and a season series on the line, Sunday’s clash promises to deliver high-level basketball and a fitting close to the Wings’ weekend celebration of women’s excellence.

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