The Chicago Sky beat the Dallas Wings. But twice within 72 short hours? That cannot be sheer misfortune. Not just that, but Dallas lost for the 25th straight time when scoring 84 points or fewer. Paige Bueckers’ absence seems to be weighing heavily on the squad. Because the gap keeps widening. From a 97-92 loss before the concussion protocol was in place, they dropped straight to a 94-83 on Saturday night.
On top of that, there have been accusations floating around that the heartbreaking loss wasn’t just the squad’s fault but also a product of the poor referee decisions. A no-call on Angel Reese’s double dribble. The repeated hacking of Arike Ogunbowale without a single whistle. And the fact that security was called on DiJonai Carrington during a postgame exchange with referee Roy Gulbeyan…
However, the Dallas Wings’ HC Chris Koclanes did not shy away from calling their gameplay out. Instead of externalizing the reasons behind their crushing loss, he looked for answers within his own team. Even asked for a little aggression. In the post-game interview, he said, “We want everyone to be hunting…we want everyone to be aggressive. We also want everyone to play together and make the right plays, the simple plays,” speaking of their offense.
Chris Koclanes on Dallas Wings offense
“We want to everyone to be hunting…we want everyone to be aggressive. We also want everyone to play together and make the right plays, the simple plays.”
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) June 1, 2025
The Wings currently boast a 104.5 offensive rating– 4th best in the league. Attribute a part of that to their season-best 109-87 win over the Sun. 5 of them scored in double-digits then. However, the team hasn’t picked up since, nor has the rating been translated into wins. In their 6th loss of the season, they shot a mere 26.7% from beyond the arc. And their attempts? 15 to Sky’s 28. The Ogunbowale-Bueckers backcourt was a real asset there that the team now misses. So, whatever the external factors may dictate, the first-year coach wishes for some aggression from his side.
More so, since their defensive end needs a step up, too. And DiJonai Carrington made clear she was aware.
“I do think that we’ve gotten better each game defensively,” she started Her claim wasn’t an empty one. Dallas’ defense took a clear step forward in Saturday’s game. They did tighten up after a rough outing just two days earlier. After giving up 30 points in the third quarter on Thursday, the Wings locked in. They held the Sky to just 20 in the same period this time around. However, she continued, “I know I have to set the tone on the defensive side of the ball. I think I also have to be more disciplined on the ball…the head of the defense, and I want to pull everyone along with me with that aggression, that physicality…All of us need to step it up, including myself defensively.”
The team currently ranks 11th in the league in defensive rating. Offensive installs, team chemistry, and leadership were their focus heading into the season, but the boxes remain unchecked. It is still only the beginning of the season, and hopefully, like the HC and Carrington’s ask, the squad steps up. The next game would be a real test.
All Eyes on Leadership Without Paige Bueckers
The Dallas Wings are heading into Monday’s matchup against the Seattle Storm with their backs against the wall. They stand at 1-6, shorthanded, and desperate for a spark. Without Paige Bueckers, who’s still in concussion protocol, the team is missing its floor general, its defensive anchor, and its most reliable playmaker. That’s a really tough void to fill.
Especially against a disciplined Storm squad that has WNBA’s best rating defensive rating and ball movement. But here’s the thing, Dallas has shown flashes. DiJonai Carrington has stepped up, bringing relentless energy on both ends, and the defense looked sharper last game. If Arike Ogunbowale can balance her scoring with smarter distribution, and if Maddy Siegrist and Teaira McCowan can dominate the boards, this team can hang with Seattle.
The key is that the Wings can’t afford sloppy passes or stagnant offense. They will need to push the pace, force steals, and turn defense into easy buckets. And Seattle won’t make it easy at all. Skylar Diggins is always a threat, and Ezi Magbegor’s presence in the paint will test McCowan’s physicality. But if Dallas plays with the same fight Carrington has brought lately, then maybe, just maybe, they will steal one.
It’s an uphill battle, but not an impossible one. The question is: Which Wings team shows up? The disjointed group from earlier this season, or the gritty, improving squad we saw glimpses of last game? Monday will tell.
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