‘Every Single Possession Has To Matter’: Dallas Wings’ Late Rally Falls Short In 85-77 Loss To Minnesota Lynx

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings rallied from a 23-point third-quarter deficit to pull within 4 in the fourth quarter, but their comeback fell short in an 85-77 loss to the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.

The loss dropped Dallas to 11-8, while Minnesota improved to 15-4 and secured its third victory over the Wings this season.

The comeback showcased the resilience Dallas has developed this year, but it also highlighted the margin separating the Wings from the league’s elite.

“I would say how we started,” Azzi Fudd said when asked where the team can improve. “I think we’ve had a lot of close games, a lot of games where we haven’t started great scoring-wise. Then that kind of plays over into our defense…We need to start the game with that gear unlocked already.”

Bueckers carried the offensive load, finishing with a game-high 25 points, while Azzi Fudd added 21 points despite an inefficient 8-of-23 shooting night.

But the Wings never fully recovered from an opening half in which the Lynx controlled nearly every aspect of the game.

Minnesota Lynx Build An Early Cushion

Minnesota’s perimeter shooting created the separation early. The Lynx knocked down 7 first-half 3-pointers while Dallas managed just 1, building a cushion that forced the Wings into an uphill climb.

The Lynx also continued their dominance in the paint as forward Natasha Howard finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds. She is averaging 22.6 points per game against the Wings so far this season.

“She finishes around the rim,” Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said. “She’s got good hands. She knows where to slide and how to see our defenders and our backside help was not evident.”

Olivia Miles Stays Hot Against Dallas

Lynx rookie guard Olivia Miles matched Howard with 21 points of her own while adding 8 assists in another impressive showing against Dallas. She is averaging 20 points per game against the Wings this season, and was quite vocal about that success in Sunday’s matchup.

Miles could be seen jawing with Bueckers in the second quarter, but Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve supports that kind of passion from her young guard.

“There’s a lot of conversations that were being had in the game amongst the players,” Reeve said. “She can stand up for herself when players are giving it to her, both verbally and basketball-wise…and she did both today.”

Lynx guards Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams also had success against the Wings, scoring 17 and 12 points, respectively.

Dallas Wings Couldn’t Match Minnesota’s Shooting

Despite this, Fernandez didn’t believe Dallas’ defensive effort completely disappeared early. Instead, he pointed to the disparity in shooting that altered the complexion of the game.

“I thought we did a great job protecting the paint in the first half,” Fernandez said. “We did a good job guarding pick-and-roll coverages, but what happened? They made shots. They made seven threes in the first half, and we were one for 14. That was the difference.”

Still, Fernandez said the team’s energy seemed to rise only after the offense finally found its rhythm.

“It looked like our energy and our effort and our intensity grew because the ball was going in the basket,” Fernandez said. “That shouldn’t matter. That shouldn’t dictate how hard you play or how hard you talk on the defensive end because the ball goes in the basket.”

Dallas Wings Mount A Late Charge

Unfortunately, the Wings finally found that urgency a little too late, only picking up the intensity at the end of the third quarter.

Dallas increased its defensive pressure, forced Minnesota into more difficult possessions, and attacked the paint instead of settling for perimeter shots. Bueckers especially became increasingly aggressive creating looks for herself, while the Wings’ bench brought life into a game that appeared to be slipping away.

“They just bring energy and a spark for us,” Bueckers said. “We struggled from the floor tonight, and they provided something different. They did a really good job defensively, disrupting things, changing the momentum of the game.”

Wings forward Maddy Siegrist led the bench effort, contributing 12 points and 5 rebounds.

The rally pulled Dallas within 4 points during the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota was able to stay just out of reach due to Howard being a consistent answer to Dallas’ mounting momentum.

The veteran forward scored several timely baskets around the rim, repeatedly finding success with Minnesota’s pick-and-roll offense to keep the Wings from completing the comeback.

Reeve pointed to Howard’s efficiency and ability to capitalize on the openings created in pick-and-roll situations as keys to her success.

“She’s been terrific for us,” Reeve said. “She’s been the recipient of tremendous pick-and-roll game with Courtney and with Liv. She gets out of screens so fast. Great finisher, great timing.”

While Minnesota was able to maintain control of Sunday’s game, Reeve offered perhaps the biggest compliment Dallas could receive after dropping its third meeting with the Lynx.

“If we don’t bring it, then Dallas will beat us next time,” Reeve said. “That urgency and will to win, we saw it today.”

Jose Fernandez Wants Urgency From The Start

For Fernandez, the challenge now is ensuring that urgency exists from the opening tip instead of emerging after halftime.

“If we want to be a top-four team, every single possession has to matter,” Fernandez said. “Right now, I don’t think we’ve grown where every possession matters yet.”

Sunday’s loss wasn’t defined by Dallas’ inability to fight back. It was defined by how much ground they had to make up before the real fight could even begin.

Until they can eliminate the slow starts that have become a recurring theme against the league’s best, they’ll continue chasing games instead of controlling them.

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