By: Anthony Miller
The Dallas Wings look for a clean sweep of the Atlanta Dream Tuesday night in game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs.
Game 1 was a historical performance for the Wings completing one of the biggest comebacks in WNBA Playoff history. After being down by 20 in the second quarter, Dallas went on a run to tie the game at 49-49 at halftime.
After being down by three going into the fourth quarter, the Wings outscored the Dream 27-12 in the fourth quarter. That was more than enough to give them the 94-82 win to take game 1 in a best of three series.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday night at 8:00 pm CST in Arlington. Should the Wings win, they will advance to play the Las Vegas Aces who just swept the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
Keys to Dallas Wings Sweep
The Dallas Wings have struggled for most of the season to get off to fast starts to games which has left them clawing back in games. They need to get into the rhythm shooting right away with easy baskets. Leaning on post presences like Teaira McCowan, Satou Sabally, and Natasha Howard to help with grabbing boards and getting easy layups.
Howard struggled in game 1 with only scoring five points in the game. She needs to help with finding better scoring opportunities to later in the game gain momentum to shoot mid range and three pointers.
The one obvious key is unleashing Arike Ogunbowale on offense. A more important aspect to her game is her passing the ball and playing tough defense. Ogunbowale has improved her game on defense and assisting which has made her a more rounded player.
Dallas’ defensive strategy will be focused on containing Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The two players combined for 57 of Atlanta’s 84 points. The Wings have to shut them down quickly forcing bad shots up early in the game. Holding them to low scoring performances will help lead to a big win.
History is on the line for the Wings as they look to advance in the WNBA playoffs for the first time since moving to Dallas. Their defense will be key in helping them win and as long as they shoot within 45 to 50 percent from the floor, the brooms should be coming out in Arlington Tuesday night.
Prediction: Dallas Wings 87, Atlanta Dream 81
Featured image via X (@DallasWings)