The Dallas Wings are an American professional basketball team based in Arlington, Texas. Originally founded as Detroit Shock in 1998, they have a rich history in the WNBA. Over the years, the Wings franchise has featured legendary players such as Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith, Cheryl Ford, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Odyssey Sims, and Australian center Liz Cambage. The franchise built a loyal fanbase in Detroit before relocating to Dallas in 2016.
Since the move, the Wings have continued to capture the hearts of fans, wearing bold team colors of navy, volt green, blue, and cyan. Although the Wings have made the playoffs in five of their nine seasons in Dallas, their postseason success has been limited. Their best playoff run was in 2023 when they reached the second round. Despite this, the Wings remain a team with passionate supporters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
How many championships have the Dallas Wings won?
The Dallas Wings have won three WNBA championships. Although all of these three championships were won during the franchise’s earlier tenure as the Detroit Shock. Established as one of the first WNBA expansion teams in 1998, the Detroit Shock struggled in their early years, reaching the playoffs only once in their first five seasons. There were even rumors that the Shock might fold after a dismal 2002 season, but newly hired coach, former Detroit Pistons ‘Bad Boy’ Bill Laimbeer convinced ownership to keep the team and led an extraordinary turnaround.
In 2003, Detroit went from last place to a 25–9 record and ultimately defeated the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Finals for their first WNBA title. The Shock went on to win two more WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008, before their eventual relocation to Dallas.
Dallas Wings Finals Appearance History
The Dallas Wings, originally known as the Detroit Shock, made four WNBA Finals appearances, all during their time in Detroit. They won three titles out of their four WNBA finals appearances. Since relocating to Dallas in 2015, they have yet to reach the WNBA Finals as of 2024. The key turning point for the Detroit Shock came with the hiring of head coach Bill Laimbeer in 2002, which was a masterstroke for the franchise. Under Laimbeer, the team won their first championship in 2003 by defeating Lisa Leslie's Los Angeles Sparks in the Finals.
The Shock claimed their second title in 2006 after a thrilling five-game series against the Sacramento Monarchs. The Game 5 of the 2006 WNBA finals was a nerve-racking, tight affair. Katie Smith sealed the win for Detroit Shock with two clutch jumpers in the final two minutes, culminating in an 80–75 Game 5 victory. In 2008, the Detroit Shock swept aside the challenge from the San Antonio Silver Stars, claiming their third WNBA championship. The Shock would have three-peated in 2008 if they did not lose a hard-fought five-game 2007 WNBA Finals series to the Phoenix Mercury.
What teams did the Dallas Wings lose the Championship Finals against?
The Dallas Wings lost one WNBA finals in their history back in 2007, when they were known as the Detroit Shock.
The 2007 WNBA Finals between Detroit Shock and Phoenix Mercury was a dramatic and hard-fought series. The Mercury were led by their star trio of Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, and Penny Taylor who faced off against Shock’s own Tweety Nolan and Katie Smith. The Phoenix Mercury prevailed 3-2 in the series by winning the decisive Game 5 at the Palace of Auburn Hills, where they defeated the Shock 108-100 in an exciting encounter. Phoenix’s Cappie Pondexter was named the 2007 WNBA Finals MVP.
Dallas Wings Last Finals Appearance
The Dallas Wing's most recent Finals appearance came in 2008 when the franchise was still known as the Detroit Shock. The Dallas Wings have not reached the WNBA Finals since their relocation from Detroit.
In the 2008 WNBA finals, the Shock emerged victorious, sweeping the San Antonio Silver Stars to win their third WNBA championship. The Wings have had several playoff appearances since their move to Dallas, but as of 2024, they have not advanced to the Finals.
FAQs
A. The Dallas Wings, formerly, Detroit Shock played in the WNBA Finals in 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008. All finals appearances came when the Wings franchise was located in Detroit.
A. The Dallas Wings, formerly, Detroit Shock have won the WNBA Finals three times. Wings won all three WNBA championships when they were located in Detroit.
A. The Dallas Wings, formerly, Detroit Shock have three championship rings.
A. Ruth Riley won the WNBA Finals MVP in 2003, Deanna Nolan in 2006, and Katie Smith in 2008.
A. The Dallas Wings, formerly, Detroit Shock won their first WNBA Championship in 2003.
A. The head coach during the Detroit Shock’s championship runs was Bill Laimbeer.
