In a monumental achievement, the Dallas Wings clinched their inaugural WNBA playoff series victory with an emphatic 101-74 triumph over the Atlanta Dream. This momentous win came after five previous attempts, marking a historic milestone in the franchise’s tenure since relocating to Dallas in 2016.
All five of the Wings’ starting players made substantial contributions, with Arike Ogunbowale leading the scoring charge by tallying an impressive 20 points. Ogunbowale’s performance was complemented by seven assists and two rebounds. Meanwhile, center Teaira McCowan delivered a commanding double-double, amassing 12 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocked shots.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated, considering the franchise’s history of early playoff exits. Previous years saw the Wings bow out in the first round, including defeats in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. This long-awaited series win is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination since their relocation from Detroit to Tulsa back in 2010.
The emotional impact of this milestone was evident on the sidelines, as first-year head coach Latricia Trammell visibly teared up while witnessing her team secure the historic victory. Adding to the moment’s grandeur, Dallas Mavericks legends Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd were both present to witness the long-awaited accomplishment.
Despite this remarkable achievement, the Wings face a formidable challenge in the next round, where they will encounter the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces, the defending champions who swept the Chicago Sky in the first round. The Aces boast an exceptional record, having recorded 34 wins and only six losses during the regular season.
In Game 2 of their series against the Dream, the Wings seized control of the contest during the second quarter. They embarked on an astounding 20-3 run, establishing a commanding lead that they would never relinquish. Although the Dream made an effort to stage a comeback in the third quarter, they fell short, ultimately resulting in the series loss.
For the Atlanta Dream, this playoff appearance in 2023 marked a significant step forward, as it was their first since 2018. The team exhibited progress during the regular season, finishing with a 19-21 record. However, the Dream still have work ahead as they continue building their roster around Rhyne Howard, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
