Satou Sabally scores 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Dallas Wings in a 90-77 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.
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Arlington - For the second time this week, the Dallas Wings defeat the Phoenix Mercury. Before a sold-out crowd and on “Pride Night,” Dallas (5-3) wins 90-77 over Phoenix (1-6).
At this point in the young season, one thing has become obvious - the Dallas Wings are having fun on the court.
“I mean, there’s a lot of smiles - even when we’re grinding and it’s close,” shares Coach Latricia Trammell. “They’re enjoying each other. I’m enjoying them. I said that in the locker room just now. Win or lose, I don’t care about that. I always say I drive to my passion every day, but they’re a big part of that. I mean, they’re just a joy to be around.”
The undeniable team chemistry is translating into wins for the Wings. Tonight’s victory is their fifth and the team remains undefeated in front of its home crowd. While Wednesday’s contest was understandably about Brittney Griner’s return to Texas, the Wings still rallied together to get the win. Friday night, before an even larger crowd - the Wings did a more impressive job of both out-rebounding the Mercury and adjusting when necessary.
Satou Sabally earned her fifth straight double double for the Wings Friday night, collecting 10 of her 16 rebounds in the first half. Her 17 points all came after an unusual scoreless first half. In a post-game conference, Sabally expressed the team’s desire to earn a championship and why it was so important for her to approach this season with a new and improved vision.
“I feel like I’m just playing basketball, I’m free, I’m just having fun and I’m playing pain free,” expressed Sabally. “I was adamant about having a good season and about doing the little things right.”
Like Trammell, Sabally was also encouraged by the presence of such a large fanbase in College Park Center.
“It’s this organization,” adds Trammell. “They’re wanting to grow our game in the right way.”
Arike Ogunbowale finished the game with 35 points, shooting 12 of 21 and hitting five of her three-point attempts. This was her 13th 30-point game of her career.
Natasha Howard contributed 22 points and seven rebounds.
Phoenix kept the game competitive, trailing by only three points at the half - 45 to 42. Dallas, however, went on a fierce 13-0 run in the third quarter and never looked back.
Brittney Griner led Phoenix in scoring with 18 points. Sug Sutton scored 16 points and had nine assists. Diana Taurasi added 12 points and five assists.
Dallas won both the rebounding battle and the percentage at the free throw line to better its record to 5-3. Phoenix falls to 1-5 with the loss.
The trio of Sabally, Ogunbowale and Howard has proven to be a real force for the Wings. The team appears confident about its chances to make some real noise in the league.