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[dallaswingsreviews]

Dallas Wings: New Year, New Me!

A lot has changed since the first round exit of the Dallas Wings during the 2018 playoffs - a new coach, no Liz, Skylar sidelined, and a flux of new players, but the goal is still the same. #RiseTogether to a championship. Now whether that happens sooner or later is the question all over the Wings. At first glance, it definitely looks like the answer is later. Brian Agler - named the coach of the Dallas Wings last December- has to rebrand the team. Two of their leaders from last season are not (or won’t be) playing. With the trade of Liz Cambage, and through the draft, about half of the team is new to the organization. Everyone who has talked about the Dallas Wings as the season approached has had their questions and their doubts, unsure of what this team is going to be or if they even have anything to truly be.

But in the first game of the season in Atlanta on the opening night of the WNBA, the Wings proved that they are here to be. Even in a loss, Dallas showed a ton of promise. Especially on defense, in which the Wings have struggled the past few seasons. Atlanta struggled to be consistent on offense. They made their runs, but after taking the lead in the 2nd quarter, Dallas seemed to control the game, all because of the Wings defense. It was the hardest I’ve ever seen this team work on defense. They limited paint points, pressure their guards, and limited offensive rebounds. Transition was still a huge part of Dallas’ offense but ball movement in the half court sets are much improved. They are running a weave with screens which puts the ball in multiple players hands before the opportunity to score appears. This has made them work as a team and provided many players scoring opportunities, which last night led to all players scoring. This is completely different from the two man game Dallas played with Liz & Skylar last season. As hungry as this team clearly was for success and a win, they came up short. The refs helped Atlanta, and Dallas lost focus. Atlanta closed in and took the game. Even in this loss, the Dallas Wings proved a lot of people wrong already.

The good news is there is no where to go but up and that game was a great place to start!

Skylar is on the return side of giving birth, and is expected (no pressure) back this season. Azura was also out for this game with a concussion. Both will boost the Wings and help them grow into the championship caliber team they want to be.

I am very excited to see the journey to a championship that this team takes- this year or next.

Honorable Mention:

Brooke McCarty-Williams is playing her butt off right now! She is proving that she belongs in this league and that she can lead this team in Skylar’s absence.

Record: 0-1

Next Game: June 1st, Dallas Wings Home Opener!

Go Wings, Go!

Let’s Fly!

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

WNBA SEASON HAS STARTED!

Which means the Dallas Wings are in the hunt for a championship!

I have been lax on blogging about the team but that is about to change. Starting with an overview about their first game, I will be more consistent with info throughout the season!

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[dallaswingsreviews]

[dallaswingsreviews]

Dallas Wings on a 4 game losing streak. Trouble in what used to be paradise??

The Dallas Wings are on a 4 game losing streak. This is the longest losing streak of the season for the Wings and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. They only have 7 games left to make an impact on the standings and it has seemed as if the Wings have lost their identity. At least 3 (I am confident with 4) of those games should have been wins for the Wings to help solidify their place in the top 4. However, Dallas has played little to no defense in all of these games and thus has given up the rights to win. Now they found themselves at #8. And if things don’t change will be on the outside looking in.

This 4 game losing streak has me puzzled as to why this team is struggling so much. But I think it’s safe to say that improvements have to start on the defensive end. Dallas needs to get back to the active defense that they were playing at the beginning of the season. They may not get every stop but they at least made their opponents work for everything they got. If defense improves, I believe that will lead Dallas back to things that made them great: rebounding and running in transition. 

It’s time. This is the moment of truth for the Dallas Wings. Can Skylar Diggins-Smith be the leader they need? Get this team going again to finish off strong and into the playoffs? Can they RISE TOGETHER, face this adversity and overcome? 

I think they can. This team has all it needs to make a run into the playoffs but it will not be a walk. They need to run and push their way in. Let’s do this Wings!

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs. Connecticut Sun 7/22/18

Team Keys:

Mental Toughness - Win at all costs

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings drop a game at home to the Connecticut Sun. They go into a much needed All-Star break with a losing streak of 2. These are 2 games the Wings should have won. And two games that would have done more to cement their spot in the top of the standings. Now, they will have to work extra hard to win out after All-Star to be in good standings. 

This team has everything it needs to be successful. At this point, anything less than a win is not acceptable. They have got to be mentally tough and get wins at any cost and despite anything! Dallas-from Coaches to Players- has to dig deep, do a gut check and decide to go all out to win a championship. If they decide to do it and truly Rise Together, there isn’t a team in this league that can stop them. Hopefully, after this break, they will check themselves and get back to playing at a high level 

Honorable Mentions:

All-Star Break

Record: 14-11

Rank: 7

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

@ Chicago Sky 7/20/18

Team Keys:

Mental Toughness - Win at all costs

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings drop a game on the road against the Chicago Sky. Defense was lost all throughout this game so it came down to who could score the most in 40 minutes. As Dallas just had a battle against Washington the previous night, and caught a late flight to be at this game in Chicago, the Sky were rested and ready. They ran the Wings out of the gym. When they weren’t running, they were shooting 3s lights out. Their offensive groove was too much and Dallas could not play effective defense. It was not for a lack of effort, however. The Wings put up big offensive numbers to try to punch back at the Sky but the Chicago’s momentum was too great for them. Dallas just couldn’t put a series of stops to pair with their scores to get over the hump and get this win. Fatigue was a major factor. Dallas really needed their deep bench today, yet for some reason it just wasn’t there. This can’t be used as a excuse. Dallas has to push past fatigue; be mentally tough, dig deep and get the win. No EXCUSES. This year’s league and playoff run is too close and tough to let one drop like this. Dallas cannot do that again. They must win at any cost and despite any adversity they must face. They will get some rest, bounce back and show this is not the team they really are!

Honorable Mentions:

This team proved, yet again, that every member of the team can score to contribute. Six Wings players ended the game with double digit scoring, showing that Dallas can depend on other players outside of Liz and Skylar.

Record: 14-10

Rank: 4

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs Washington Mystics 7/19/18

Team Keys:

 Mental Toughness- Win games regardless of anything 

After Game Thoughts:

This looked to be a rough night offensively for the Dallas Wings as they still grind to a win a home against the Washington Mystics. Even though the Wings put 90 points on the board, it came the hard way for them. Their free throw percentage was way low for their standards and their inside shots and layups would not stay in the hoop. Luckily, they were able to work through the difficulties and find ways to score- showing signs of mental toughness. Their defense held Elena Delle Donne and Kristi Toliver to under 20 points. They gave a lot to LeSandra Sanders (25 points) but just her scoring wasn’t really enough to get it done. Washington made a couple of runs at the Wings at the end to try to win but the Wings held them off making the shots they needed. It was a messy game. Dallas most definitely did not play at the top of their physical game but they showed again that they can be mentally tough and they squeezed out the win. That’s what it’s going to come down to for this team to win. Being mentally tough to get through the tough teams that they have in the rest of their schedule. They are looking good so far and just need to keep pushing and improving! 

Honorable Mentions:

Liz Cambage has another record breaking night- 35pts/17rbs/4asts

Liz now holds the record for most points in 2 consecutive games with 88 points.

Record: 14-9

Rank: 3

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs New York Liberty 7/17/18

Team Keys:

Mental Toughness

- Close games; Win at any cost, no matter what

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings get a history making win at home against the New York Liberty. The Wings are really executing as a team on both ends of the floor. Liz Cambage had a statement night with a double-double of 53pts and 10rbs. She was much less demonstrative than she usually is and instead let her game speak for itself. The statement was definitely to all the people who hate on her, but perhaps it was a statement to the League as well. She has had a strained relationship with the refs who refuse to ref her fairly and I think this is a way of her saying “fine, the entire league is gonna get this work whether you try to stop me or not.”. I, for one, loved it and I hope that she continues to let her game speak for itself. This is once again a showing of how Dallas can score big however they want to. Skylar Diggins-Smith wasn’t big, but she didn’t need to be. Azura Stevens wasn’t big but she didn’t need to be. Also, even with all the scoring Liz did, 3 other Wings players were in double digit scoring as well. And they were still lopsided, missing a few players off of the bench. On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas made great rotations. They didn’t completely stop Tina Charles but they definitely made her work for every point she got. That is all you can ask for as elite players in this league will never be stopped. Even when New York went on their run to get back in the game- and even take the lead- Dallas made a punch back and retook the game. They went back to getting to the basket and playing active defense. This is the mental toughness that will take this team to the next level. Keep playing at this high level, Dallas Wings!!

Honorable Mentions:

Liz Cambage has an UNBELIEVABLE game - 53pts/10rbs/5blks

She now leads the WNBA in most points scored in a single game. 

There are no words to describe that game. I’m speechless. 

Record: 13-9

Rank: 4

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

@ Seattle Storm 7/14/18

The Dallas Wings lose a tough one in Seattle. It wasn't a terrible game for the Wings but it wasn't nearly their best performance. This is probably why they end their win streak at 5. As the score indicates, it was a close game the entire way except for the 10-0 run Seattle had to start the 3rd quarter. After a timeout, Dallas, by way of Skylar Diggins-Smith, woke up and went on a run to get back in it. The Wings were in the game for the rest of the way down to the last minute. Ultimately, Dallas gave Seattle way too many 2nd chances, missed too many free throws and didn't have much production from their bench. Seattle beat them at their own rebounding game tonight. Dallas, also, still has to learn when to capitalize on certain situations. There were moments in the game where it seemed like Seattle was giving the momentum away but Dallas just couldn't make a play to capitalize.

Overall, not necessarily a bad loss. Just wish they could've kept the streak going and continued to grow in their new found confidence and dominance. Hopefully the Dallas Wings will take it as a lesson and get back on the winning formula on Tuesday against New York!

Record: 12-9

Rank: 6

[dallaswingsreviews]

@ LA Sparks 7/12/18

The Dallas Wings get a BIG win in La yesterday! This game was amazing in different ways than the usual. The Wings came out with pretty good energy. Their shots weren't falling as well as they would have liked but they stayed present in the game and kept flowing. Even when LA started to punch back to take leads, Dallas stayed patient and present in the game. No panic. The game slowed down and got kind if sloppy but Dallas stayed true to their game plan. Liz Cambage got a back to back tech and ejected from the game at the end of the 2nd quarter. THIS DID NOT DERAIL THE DALLAS WINGS! They made adjustments and took it to LA. Skylar and Co decided they weren't losing this game and they didn't. They won in a blow out. That is the mental toughness that has been missing with this team. The few games after Indiana were/are going to be tests for this team and so far they have passed. They have the defense they need. They have the offense they need. And now they have the mental toughness to win REGARDLESS of anything that happens. AND they are doing it ALL as a team. No Liz show. No Skylar show. It's the Dallas Wings show and it's a good one! They've won 5 games in a row now- the longest streak in the WNBA right now and the longest winning streak for the Dallas Wings Franchise.

I am thoroughly impressed with Fred William's patience and confidence in this Dallas Wings team. He put a plan together. Despite troubles and changes, he stuck with it. He was patient knowing the work they were doing and now it's starting to pay off.

Also, really impressed with Skylar's leadership. She is really showing us what a floor general should look like and making a case for MVP. She is creating for herself and for her teammates. This team is going as she goes and she is going up.

Keep RISING TOGETHER, Dallas Wings!

Record: 12-8

Rank: 5

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs. Phoenix Mercury

Great team win for the Dallas Wings! The Wings put together another complete game to beat the top seeded Phoenix Mercury. Everything was clicking for Dallas. High energy on both ends of the floor. Forcing turnovers or tough shots on defense, making Phoenix work hard for what they get. Making Phoenix work hard while Dallas was on offense by moving with the ball and without the ball to find different scorers. This team was RISING TOGETHER! They did not just rely on Skylar and Liz. It took every player giving everything on both sides of the floor to get this win (even with an illed/out Diana Taurasi). And win they did. The Dallas Wings are making a case for being Title Contenders.

Honorable Mention:

The 11-8, 4 game win streaking Dallas Wings- Rising Together.

[dallaswingsreviews]

@ New York Liberty 7/8/18

Team Keys:

Offense:

Good ball movement and patience; Good shot selection

Defense:

Good communication and rotations

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings have mastered their “Game Team Keys” in their win against the New York Liberty. They are finally looking like a team consistently. They move the ball well which gives them good shot selection and uses their talent. This then opens up opportunities for Liz and Skylar to do their damage. In this game Liz didn’t get catch fire until the 3rd quarter. However this wasn’t a problem because not only was Skylar scoring but Allisha started it off, Glory got busy, and Azura came off the bench doing her work. Then after halftime, Liz caught fire and the rest of the team chipped in when needed. That’s team basketball. Everyone steps up when needed. Much more team oriented than the first time they played the Liberty. Rotations on defense looked great. Dallas kept the Liberty from penetrating and made them settle for Tina post ups or 3s, which wasn’t enough to get the job done. Turnovers were down to 11 this game which is a lot better than the previous games. 11 is what Dallas usually has at the half - far too many. Kaela Davis is still doing a marvelous job backing up Skylar. Substitutions have been figured out which is probably helping the Wings in their consistency.

With 3 wins in a row, this is the time the Dallas Wings need to turn a corner and make a push to get a top 4 spot. The next few games are going to be tough but not impossible. Keep playing together and for each other and learn to finish close games. That is going to be the test the next few games. Are the Wings really real and can they finish a game against top teams? I think they are and I look forward to them proving it!

Honorable Mentions:

Skylar Diggins-Smith has a “Leading Franchise” kind of night - 32pts/7rebs/5asts

She now leads the Shock/Wings Franchise in 20 point games and 30 point games!

Record: 10-8

Rank: 6

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs. Indiana Fever 7/5/18

Team Keys:

Offense:

Good ball movement and patience; Good shot selection

Defense:

Good communication and rotations

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings get a needed win against the Indiana Fever. Dallas starts the game with intensity. On offense, they are pounding the ball inside mostly through guard penetration. It started with a couple of drives by Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray got in there, as well as Glory Johnson, Kaela Davis and Aerial Powers with some pretty and strong drives. They also had some beautiful ball movement. There was also much less forcing it in to Liz Cambage. On defense, they smothered the Fever. They helped each other and rotated well which means they communicated effectively.  This was another game where most Wings Players were involved. By the middle of the 2nd quarter, all Wings players that had played had scored and gotten a rebound (as said by the Dallas Wings announcer). That’s a credit to their teamwork. They are finally starting to gel, trust each other and work together. More proof of this is that neither Liz nor Skylar. It was rookie Azura Stevens with 26 points! The rookie is confident and her team trusts her to to perform. Some thing I love is Kaela Davis at the point. I love when she gets minutes backing up Skylar or putting Skylar off ball. I think it is challenging her. She is a very smart and aggressive player so putting her in at the point challenges her to use these qualities in different ways. She’s having to start the offense and look to get her teammates involved. And she’s doing it pretty well, while still finding scoring opportunities for herself. I hope the Dallas Wings continue to use Kaela Davis like this.

Also: Good rotations again, Coach Fred Williams.

Now is the time for the Dallas Wings to turn a corner. They need to use the things that have been going well in the past few games, continue to improve on things that aren’t going well (turn overs) and  get on a winning stretch to get in good playoff standings and prove that they can be one of the elite teams in the league. They are about to be tested again in some upcoming games and no doubt they will be close. The Wings need to make sure they are smart and take advantage of their opportunities in late games to get close wins.

Honorable Mentions:

Azura Stevens playing BIG: 26pts/6rbs/2asts

Record: 9-8

Rank: 7

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!

[dallaswingsreviews]

Want to see Skylar take home a Nickelodeon blimp at KidsChoiceSports on July 21 at 8/7c!? Vote now at www.KCS2018.com 

[dallaswingsreviews]

Vs Chicago Sky 7/3/18

Team Keys:

Offense:

Good ball movement and patience; Good shot selection

Defense:

Good communication and rotations

After Game Thoughts:

The Dallas Wings won in a commanding way against the Chicago Sky in the 1st of 3 games. The Wings came out in this game playing in mediocracy. It wasn’t necessarily that they came out flat but they also didn’t come out on fire either. This allowed Chicago to be explosive on offense and on defense. Chicago was able to find success in transition and in the half court. They used their quickness to get to the basket while Dallas kind of just got stuck in screens or didn’t get back fast enough on defense. Dallas sloppy play may have cost them but luckily, their offense was able to keep up with Chicago’s. Dallas does pick it up during the 2nd quarter and they don’t look back after that. Dallas also picks it up defensively, but it seems to still be very difficult to stop Chicago. They score very well on all fronts. Offensively, Dallas does a combination of moving the ball, isolations and transition that get their scoring going. It’s an even spread of scoring amongst the team. Of course, Liz is dominating as usual but it’s not just a Skylar & Liz show. Everyone showed up to play and score. Allisha Gray got going early as did Glory Johnson (in her 1st start since her injury). And other contributions from Azura Stevens and Kaela Davis. Dallas started the 2nd half with a better intensity and their lead just takes off from there. A better defensive effort plus a even spread of scoring allows for Skylar and Liz to take over. Skylar scored 18 points in the 3rd quarter!!! Meanwhile, Liz goes on to score 37 points for the game. They combined for 57 points while their teammates still added another 51! That’s great team offense! Their ability to move the ball through passing, drives and dishes, and inside and out gave them prime offensive opportunity. This is the offensive movement, which uses every bit of their talent, that will have them difficult to guard. Continue to get consistent, on offense and on defense, while playing for each other, Dallas Wings! It will pay off!

Side Note: Coach Fred Williams’ substitutions in this game were perfect! I love seeing KD running point in place of Skylar and that is where he has to find her some time to play. But other than that, it was just a smooth game. The subs didn’t slip up and they kept the same energy that the starters brought (or needed to bring). I hope this is the type of subbing that sticks around. 

Honorable Mentions:

Liz Cambage with a dominant 37pts/10rbs/4asts

Skylar Diggins also dominated with 20pts/5asts (18 of those points in the 3rd quarter)

Record: 8-8

Rank: 7

Go Wings Go!

Let’s Fly

Rise Together!