Hustle Plays Not Enough in Wings' Fifth Consecutive Loss

Arike Ogunbowale fights through a double team in the Dallas loss to Phoenix Sunday afternoon.

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Arlington – The Phoenix Mercury (6 - 6) managed to outlast the Dallas Wings (3 - 7) in a 97-90 double overtime win Sunday afternoon.

All four quarters of regulation included several lead changes, hustle plays and hard fouls by both teams. The largest lead of the game was nine points by Phoenix, and it was short-lived.

By the second overtime - it was obvious that both teams were exhausted. While the game proved to be a very competitive match, the home team left the court dejected by a fifth consecutive loss. Dallas struggled to score in the second overtime, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Kahleah Copper scored eight of her 29 points for the Mercury in the second overtime. Brittney Griner finished the night with 24 points. Diana Taurasi had 20 points.

While Dallas is still without Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally – all five Dallas starters scored double figures Sunday afternoon.

Arike Ogunbowale flirted with a triple double, boasting a stat line of 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. She even snagged four steals. Ogunbowale now has the longest streak of 20-point games to start a season - 10 consecutive games.

Ogunbowale once again played every minute of the game. On several occasions, the offense was simply stagnant if the ball wasn’t in her hands. It is important to note, however, that there was no lack of effort by Dallas.

“I loved the fight,” Dallas Coach Latricia Trammel shared post game. “I loved the determination to even be in that situation (overtime).

Teaira McGowan scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds, but she fouled out and received a technical as the second extra period concluded. 

Monique Billings played 47 minutes, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Rookie Jacy Sheldon had very impressive moments, challenging many of the veterans on the Phoenix team. While she only scored four points, Sheldon did manage three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Her relentlessness on defense did not go unnoticed by her coach.

Dallas has a few days off before the Seattle Storm come to town for Thursday’s matchup. This game features the return of former Dallas player Skylar Diggins-Smith.