DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Seek First Win Against Minnesota Lynx In Season Series
The Dallas Wings host the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx on Sunday looking to avoid an 0-3 record in the season series after dropping the first two meetings.
- How have the Lynx controlled the series? Minnesota is 14-4 and won both prior meetings behind efficient offense and a strong interior presence.
- What is Dallas focused on? Jose Fernandez pointed to transition defense, rotations, and guarding the pick-and-roll.
- Who returns for the Wings? Awak Kuier is available after missing the June 9 meeting with a wrist injury.
- Can Arike Ogunbowale rebound? Ogunbowale scored 4 points on 1-of-10 shooting in the Wings’ last game and is looking to bounce back.
- What’s next? The Wings tip off against the Lynx at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday at College Park Center.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings host the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday afternoon at College Park Center in the teams’ third meeting of the season, with Dallas still searching for its first win in the series. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. CT on CBS.
Minnesota sits atop the WNBA standings at 14-4 and has controlled the matchup, winning both previous games behind efficient offense, a strong paint presence, and disciplined execution.
“They’ve got really good spacing and they make the most out of every possession,” Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said.
Minnesota Lynx’s Offense Sets The Tone
The Lynx have started fast against Dallas. In the most recent meeting on June 9, Minnesota opened with a 30-18 first-quarter lead and capitalized on the Wings’ defensive breakdowns.
“They didn’t miss many shots,” Fernandez said. “A lot of them were uncontested. We’ve got to make sure we do a good job in our rotations, and we’ve got to be special in transition defense.”
Minnesota’s pick-and-roll execution has been a particular focus for Dallas in preparation.
“I think the biggest thing is knowing your personnel,” Fernandez said after Saturday’s practice. “We’ve got to do a much better job guarding the ball and keeping them in front of us. Communication and teaching today, that’s been the focus.”
Awak Kuier Adds Size To Dallas Wings’ Frontcourt
Dallas can lean on the size of Awak Kuier against Minnesota’s interior. Kuier missed the June 9 meeting with a right wrist injury but has since returned to the starting lineup.
“She can give us some rim protection,” Fernandez said. “Some size that can change shots and affect shots.”
Minnesota’s defense presents its own challenge.
“They get into you. They defend you,” Fernandez said. “It starts by guarding one-on-one and being physical. How you’re physical is how you get into people, how you make early contact, how physical you are at the point of attack, and how you’re setting screens.”
Arike Ogunbowale Looks To Bounce Back
Dallas will also look for a bounce-back game from All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, who scored 4 points on 1-of-10 shooting, including 0-of-5 from three, in the Wings’ previous game, a loss at the Las Vegas Aces.
“She’s a pro,” Fernandez said. “Pros do what they do. Someone like her has to have short-term memory. For us to be successful, she’s got to play well and shoot the ball well.”
What Dallas Needs To Avoid a 0-3 Series
Dallas believes tighter defensive discipline and better offensive ball movement can close the gap on one of the league’s most complete teams. The challenge is slowing a Minnesota offense that punished every defensive mistake in the first two meetings.
“In that first half, they were special,” Fernandez said. “They got a lot of uncontested shots, and they’re too good. They’re going to make wide-open shots, and they’re going to make you pay.”
To avoid falling to 0-3 in the season series, the Wings will need to turn the lessons from the first two matchups into execution Sunday.
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