Dallas Defeats Atlanta, Rookie Jacy Sheldon Scores Season High

Rookie Jacy Sheldon scores 17 points, including five three pointers in the 85-82 Dallas victory over Atlanta. | © 2024 Miss Ari Photography

Arlington - The Dallas Wings (5-16) rebounded at home on Friday night, completing a tough 85-82 win against a gritty Atlanta Dream (7-12) team. 

After a disappointing loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, Dallas came out poised from tipoff. They wanted to disrupt the flow and pace of Atlanta’s offense and keep them running. The home team did just that.

Much to the chagrin of the Atlanta coaches, the Dream committed 29 turnovers, which led to 38 Dallas points. All five Dallas starters scored in double figures, including a breakout performance by rookie Jacy Sheldon.  

Not only has the rookie from Ohio State made her way into the starting lineup for Latricia Tramell’s Dallas squad - but Sheldon has solidified herself as a spot up shooter for the Wings. Sheldon scored 17 points on six of 12 shooting Friday night. She becomes the first rookie to score five three pointers for the franchise since Odyssey Sims with the Tulsa Shock. 

“Making the shots was the least I could do after my teammates found me,” Sheldon shared after the game.

Teaira McCowan earned her seventh double double of the season, scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for Dallas. Despite taking on some of the most physical bumps in the paint, McCowan remained composed for her team 28 minutes of play. She was also perfect from the free throw line, going four of four.

When asked about the calls that didn’t go in her favor, McCowan explained “I just keep pushing and try to remain positive.”

“It's not very often you see a 6'7'‘ post player diving on the floor for a 50/50 ball,” Tramell commented on McCowan’s performance.  

Like Dallas, the Atlanta team has been plagued by injury. This reality didn’t stifle the effort by either team Friday night. This was a very back and forth competition and the largest lead in the game was just seven points for Dallas. Former Dallas player Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19 points. Veteran Tina Charles added 12 points, on her way to becoming third in all-time scoring in the WNBA, passing Tamika Catchings with 7,383 points.

“The arena, with our fans was electrifying,” Trammell said. “I'm just so proud of this team. We had some adversity throughout the game and just played through it.”