Wings vs Storm: Wings Dominate Storm in Third Meeting
On July 22, the Dallas Wings handed the Seattle Storm a decisive 87‑63 defeat at Climate Pledge Arena, evening their season series 2–1. Dallas delivered a commanding performance, outscoring Seattle in the third quarter 32–15, breaking the game open and holding firm through the final stretch.
Standout Performances
- Arike Ogunbowale led the charge for the Wings, draining 20 points—including clutch 3-pointers—setting the tone early and maintaining momentum throughout.
- Paige Bueckers added 14 points, extending her streak of 19 consecutive double-digit scoring games, showcasing both consistency and scoring finesse.
- For the Storm, Gabby Williams contributed a mix of playmaking and scoring, though Seattle struggled overall to keep pace after halftime.
Turning Point & Strategy
Seattle showed early energy, leading briefly in the first quarter, but never recovered after Dallas's dominant third-quarter surge. A 16–2 run late in the second quarter set the stage, and Dallas maintained pressure with suffocating defense, preventing any threat of a Storm comeback.
Implications for Both Teams
- The Wings improved to 7–17 (3–10 away), gaining confidence from the win and their balanced attack.
- Seattle, now 14–10 (8–5 home), battled inconsistency—especially in defensive execution—underlining the volatility that has marked their season.
Big Picture
This clash reaffirmed the importance of momentum shifts—especially in the third quarter. Dallas flipped the script from previous tightly contested games to deliver a comprehensive victory. Seattle’s inability to adjust defensively and contain Dallas’s backcourts made the difference.