How the Wings Can Close the First Half Strong
The Dallas Wings are currently 6-15, and there are two more games before the 2025 WNBA All-Star Break.
Dallas travels to play the Indiana Fever on Sunday and concludes the first half by hosting the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday.
The Wings should be looking to close the first half on a positive note.
Keys for the Wings to Close the First Half
Get Players Back
The Wings have faced significant challenges due to injuries, including those to Ty Harris, Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and DiJonai Carrington. However, there is hope on the horizon. Ogunbowale practiced on Friday, and Carrington participated in non-contact practice.
Ogunbowale, the Wings’ second leading scorer with 16.8 points per game, and Carrington, their third leading scorer with 11.8 points per game and the team’s best defender, could make a substantial impact if they return.
Defense
The Wings are near the bottom of the WNBA in defense, with a defensive rating of 106.9, and give up 86 points per game. Defense has been a consistent issue throughout the season. These two games should show whether the team is starting to lock in on that side of the floor.
The Wings need to emphasize better closeouts and footwork on the perimeter — too many defenders overcommit or get beat off the dribble. Use simpler, more disciplined coverage — stick to base help principles rather than over-switching. Defense is all about effort and paying attention to detail.
More Touches For Teaira McCowan
Teaira McCowan can bring strength in the post. Dallas must give her more minutes and get her some paint touches. When she gets involved early, the Wings offense can open up, and it takes pressure off the young players. If the Wings commit to inside-out ball movement, the offense could finally find rhythm.
Young Players Playing Well
A top draft pick, Bueckers, is making an immediate impact, averaging about 18.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, and 4.1 RPG over 16 games and earning a starting spot in the All‑Star Game. Her efficiency and ball control stand out—she’s a smooth playmaker with low turnovers and strong shooting splits.
Bueckers has looked every bit the franchise centerpiece—productive, poised, and well on her way to WNBA stardom. Aziaha James, over her last six games, has knocked down 11-for-21 from deep, logged at least 24 minutes each time, and scored in double digits every outing.
Over her last six games, Aziaha James has knocked down 11‑for‑21 from deep, logged at least 24 minutes each time, and scored in double digits every outing. Across her first 17 games, she has averaged 8.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 2.0 APG, shooting 37.3% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range.
J.J. Quinerly has stepped into the starting lineup for the last three games. She is averaging 6.2 PPG on 44.7% FG, 41.7% 3PT, and 92% FT.
In her recent three-game stretch as a starter, she scored 50 points, 10 rebounds, 16 assists, and three steals, shooting 51% from the field and 50% from three-point land.
PHOTO: Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images
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