The Dallas Wings: A Team on the Rise

STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | May 12, 2026 — The Dallas Wings battled through a playoff-style atmosphere Tuesday night, but late execution and rebounding struggles proved costly in a 77-72 loss to the Atlanta Dream before a sold-out crowd of 6,251 fans at College Park Center.

In a game featuring eight lead changes and nine ties, Atlanta closed stronger in the fourth quarter to hand Dallas its first loss of the 2026 season.

The Wings dropped to 1-1 overall despite another standout performance from franchise star Arike Ogunbowale, who finished with a team-high 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 35 minutes.

Ogunbowale continued her impressive scoring consistency, recording her second consecutive 20-point outing to begin the season. Dating back to July 2025, the veteran guard has now scored at least 12 points in 10 of her last 11 regular-season games.

Meanwhile, reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers added 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block while reaching another major career milestone.

With three assists Tuesday night, Bueckers eclipsed 200 career WNBA assists in only 38 games — the fastest pace in Wings franchise history.

Despite the loss, Dallas showed flashes of the explosive offense that produced a record-setting 107-point season-opening victory over the Indiana Fever just days earlier.

But unlike Saturday’s offensive showcase, points were much harder to find against Atlanta’s physical defense.

Both teams struggled shooting throughout the night.

Dallas finished at 38.4 percent from the field while shooting just 4-of-26 from three-point range. Atlanta also shot under 40 percent overall but made enough timely perimeter shots late to pull away.

Veteran guard Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 26 points, repeatedly delivering key baskets during the Dream’s decisive fourth-quarter run.

Jordin Canada added 19 points and five assists, while offseason acquisition Angel Reese controlled the glass with a dominant double-double performance featuring 12 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

Atlanta’s rebounding advantage ultimately became one of the game’s biggest storylines.

The Dream outrebounded Dallas 44-34 overall while grabbing 11 offensive rebounds that led to several critical second-chance opportunities late in the contest.

Dallas actually held advantages in points in the paint and fast-break scoring, but Atlanta’s extra possessions helped swing momentum during crucial stretches.

The Wings opened the night energized by the sold-out crowd.

Bueckers scored Dallas’ first five points, including three from the free-throw line, helping the Wings establish early rhythm offensively. Rookie Aziaha James also provided a major spark during the opening quarter with six points, a steal and a block while helping Dallas build an early lead.

Veteran guard Odyssey Sims closed the first quarter with a driving layup that gave Dallas a 21-19 advantage after one period.

The second quarter featured some of Dallas’ best basketball of the night.

Sims and Awak Kuier knocked down back-to-back three-pointers during an 8-2 Wings run that pushed the lead to eight and forced Atlanta into a timeout.

Jessica Shepard also continued her strong all-around performance inside, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Atlanta eventually battled back before halftime, but Ogunbowale answered with a crucial and-one finish late in the quarter to help Dallas carry a 41-38 lead into the break.

The momentum quickly shifted coming out of halftime.

Atlanta opened the third quarter on an 11-2 run behind aggressive defense, transition offense and second-chance points from Reese.

Ogunbowale kept Dallas alive throughout the quarter, scoring 11 third-quarter points while repeatedly attacking the basket and drawing contact. Her aggressiveness helped stabilize the Wings during several Atlanta runs.

Dallas briefly regained momentum late in the third behind defensive energy and offensive rebounding, but Canada answered with a corner three-pointer to restore Atlanta’s advantage.

The Dream then seized control in the fourth quarter.

Gray opened the final frame with back-to-back three-pointers during a personal 6-0 run that pushed Atlanta ahead by five and silenced portions of the crowd.

Dallas continued battling, with Shepard and Bueckers delivering key baskets late, but the Wings struggled to consistently generate clean offensive possessions down the stretch.

Atlanta closed the game on a decisive 9-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, eventually building a 10-point lead before Dallas made one final push in the closing moments.

Ultimately, the Dream’s rebounding, defense and late-game execution proved too much to overcome.

Now, the Wings will attempt to bounce back Thursday night when they continue their homestand against the defending Western Conference champion Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.