‘We Want to Flip the Script’: Dallas Wings Focus on Defense, Chemistry as Arike Ogunbowale Returns Ahead of Indiana Fever Game
The Dallas Wings hope a return from their All-Star guard and a renewed defensive focus can help them snap a three-game road losing streak.
After back-to-back losses to Phoenix and Chicago, the Wings (6–15) head to Indianapolis on Sunday to face the Indiana Fever in their final game before the All-Star break. Tipoff is set for noon CT on ABC.
Arike Ogunbowale Cleared, DiJonai Carrington Remains Day-to-Day
Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb) practiced in full on Friday and is expected to return to the lineup against the Fever. She’s missed the last three games and is averaging 16.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 18 appearances.
“I felt really good to get back with the team,” Ogunbowale said. “Feel their energy, give them my energy. I know I’ve been out, so just trying to make my presence felt. But it was really good to see them again.”
DiJonai Carrington (rib) did not participate fully in Friday’s practice but got shots up. She remains day-to-day. Head coach Chris Koclanes said her return is uncertain but could happen “any day.”
Carrington is averaging 11.8 points and 5.1 rebounds this season and has missed six straight games since taking a hard fall in the win over Connecticut on June 20.
Chris Koclanes: “There’s a Narrative That We Can’t Play on the Road”
The Wings have gone 2–9 away from College Park Center this season and haven’t won on the road since June 20. Koclanes said the defensive energy and urgency must improve if the team hopes to reverse the trend.
“There’s a narrative that we can’t play on the road,” Koclanes said. “We want to flip that script. Players are having career highs [against us]. We want to show up in Indiana with intensity and toughness.”
That was the case again Wednesday night in Chicago, where the Sky shot 50.9% from the field and got 27 points from Rebecca Allen, including 15 in a decisive third quarter.
“We’ve got to take some pride one-on-one and step up,” Koclanes added. “Two games in a row on the road where offenses have been extremely comfortable — it starts with our individual approach.”
Paige Bueckers Emphasizes Defense Must “Travel”
Without Ogunbowale and Carrington, the Wings relied heavily on rookies in Wednesday’s 87–76 loss to the Sky. Paige Bueckers scored 17 points but shot just 5-for-20 from the field, while JJ Quinerly added 16 points and a career-best three steals.
Bueckers said the team has to lean on its defensive identity when shots aren’t falling.
“There are 44 games in the season — you’re not going to shoot well every single night,” she said. “But we’ve got to continue to trust our work and stick to our process.”
“We’ve let too many guards get off on us,” Bueckers added. “Not every night we’re going to make shots, but how can we win when we’re not making shots? That’s where defense has to travel.”
Jones Adds Versatility, Chemistry Still Developing
Friday marked Haley Jones’ second practice since re-signing with the team on a rest-of-season deal. She contributed four points in 15 minutes against Chicago and is expected to play a key role going forward.
“I love Haley’s high IQ and versatility,” Koclanes said. “To be able to just plug her in—at the wing, play a little bit of four, initiate offense at the one—that’s huge.”
Jones said she’s willing to fill whatever role is needed.
“Whatever the team needs — 1, 3, 4 — I’m ready,” she said. “I just want to help us win and keep building chemistry now that we’re starting to get players back.”
Koclanes added that the Wings are still exploring different guard combinations with Ogunbowale, Bueckers, and Jones.
“There’s a lot still on the table,” he said. “I love how we’re growing together, even in adversity.”
Indiana Fever Heating Up Behind Caitlin Clark’s Passing, Kelsey Mitchell’s Scoring
On Friday night, Indiana (10–10) snapped a brief slump with a 99–82 win over the Atlanta Dream. Though Caitlin Clark struggled from the field (5-of-17), she dished out nine assists and helped fuel a balanced scoring attack that included 25 points from Kelsey Mitchell, 19 from Aliyah Boston, and 16 from Sophie Cunningham.
Clark has scored just 22 points on 9-for-29 shooting across two games since returning from a groin injury, but remains central to Indiana’s offensive rhythm.
“We’ve been talking all year about building consistency,” said Fever coach Stephanie White. “(Friday was) game two with our whole roster. And we still haven’t had a practice with everybody.”
The Fever defeated the Wings 94–86 in their first meeting of the season on June 27 in Dallas. Clark scored 20 points and nine assists, and the Wings were without Carrington and Siegrist.
What’s at Stake Sunday
With the All-Star break looming, Dallas has a chance to build momentum and restore confidence before resetting the season’s second half. The Wings have lost two straight and seven of their last eight overall — but with Ogunbowale returning and Carrington’s status improving, help may finally be on the way.
“I just want us to respond on the road,” Koclanes said. “And then come home and build on our momentum at CPC. These are two important games.”
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- “We’ve Got to Be Better Defensively”: Dallas Wings Fall to Chicago Sky Despite Li Yueru’s Double-Double
- Haley Jones Rejoins Dallas Wings, Liatu King Waived Before Chicago Sky Game
- “Wake-Up Call”: Dallas Wings Routed by Phoenix Mercury in Rematch as Road Struggles Continue
- Dallas Wings Move Rematch with Indiana Fever to American Airlines Center After Historic Showing in June
