DHJ Quick Take: Jose Fernandez Praises Arike Ogunbowale’s Playmaking
Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez praised Arike Ogunbowale‘s playmaking after she scored 22 points with 7 assists and no turnovers in a 96-66 win over the Las Vegas Aces.
- What did Jose Fernandez say about Arike Ogunbowale? He called her playmaking a big area of growth and said she does not have to be a high-volume scorer on this team.
- How did Arike Ogunbowale play against the Aces? She scored a game-high 22 points with 7 assists and no turnovers.
- Why does the role shift matter for Arike Ogunbowale? Fernandez said her shooting percentages should rise as she takes better shots and creates for others.
- What milestone did Arike Ogunbowale reach? It was the 131st 20-point game of her career, 11th in WNBA history.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Arike Ogunbowale scored a game-high 22 points, handed out 7 assists, and finished without a turnover in the Dallas Wings‘ 96-66 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Monday at College Park Center.
Afterward, head coach Jose Fernandez pointed less to the scoring than to how she created for others.
Jose Fernandez on Arike Ogunbowale’s Role
Fernandez emphasized the value of Ogunbowale’s willingness to set up teammates as a guard who has long shouldered a heavy scoring burden on previous Wings teams.
“That’s been a big area of growth for Arike because she’s had to be such a high-volume scorer throughout her career,” Fernandez said. “She doesn’t have to be that on this team because we have Paige, we have Maddy, we have Jess Shepard. If she can play like that, knock down open shots, continue to rebound and defend, those percentages are only going to increase.”
He emphasized the importance of Ogunbowale getting to the free throw line and attacking the rim when jump shots aren’t falling, while also praising her passing.
“That’s what we need from her,” Fernandez said. “If the shot’s not falling, get to the free-throw line and get to the rim. But I thought when she created, she looked to find people.”
Arike Ogunbowale’s Efficient Night
Ogunbowale shot 6-of-16 from the field, 5-of-11 from 3-point range, and 5-of-6 at the line, and her 7 assists were a season high. She is averaging 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 34.6% from the field in 14 games this season.
Monday marked the 131st regular-season game of her career with at least 20 points, 11th in WNBA history and the third-most by a guard behind Cappie Pondexter and Diana Taurasi.
What’s Next
The Wings wrap their Commissioner’s Cup slate on the road against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday. Tip-off from Chase Center is set for 9 p.m. CT, with the game on KFAA locally and WNBA League Pass.
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