Angel Reese’s much-awaited WNBA debut is underway in Arlington, Texas as the Chicago Sky are on the road to take on the Dallas Wings. The highly-touted rookie will help usher in a new era for Sky basketball under new coach Teresa Weatherspoon. They will be immediately tested by the hosts, who made a deep playoff run last season.
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings game player stats and box scores
Chicago Sky game player stats and box scores
Dallas Wings game player stats and box scores
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings Game Summary
The Chicago Sky showed early that they were not fazed by the Dallas Wings’ playoff credentials. Angel Reese went scoreless in the first quarter, but veterans Diamond DeShields, Marina Mabrey and Elizabeth Williams got it going early. Chicago had a 25-16 lead after the first 10 minutes passed.
Teaira McCowan’s inside dominance was evident as the 6-foot-7 center caused problems right away for Chicago’s undersized frontline. However, she had little support as Arike Ogunbowale, Jaelyn Brown and Sevgi Uzun couldn’t get on the score sheet.
The Chicago Sky offense stuttered in the second quarter, allowing the Dallas Wings to take the lead at one point. DeShields and Mabrey continued to hum, but the rest of their teammates couldn't do the same. The "Chi Barbie" had a one-point, one rebound and one assist first half.
Dallas' McCowan kept up her impressive first 10 minutes to end up with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. She finally got some support but Ogunbowale has to find her shooting touch. She is only 2-for-10 and already had three fouls before the half ended. The Wings, however, trailed by just 43-40 leading into the break.
Maddy Siegrist and Arike Ogunbowale answered the bell for the Dallas Wings in the third quarter. Eight of Siegrist's 13 points came in the said period while Ogunbowale added six after making just five in the entire first half.
Elizabeth Williams, Angel Reese and Marina Mabrey carried the Chicago Sky in the third to prevent the hosts from getting ahead. The third period ended with both teams locked at 62 all.
Ogunbowale's five-point display in the third period proved to be a harbinger of what was to come. The Wings' leading scorer last year erupted for 14 points in the final frame to drag the home team to an 87-79 win. She nearly outscored the Sky who bled for 17 points.
Angel Reese bounced back from a poor first half to finish with 12 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.
Marina Mabrey, Dana Evans and Arike Ogunbowale 3-pointers tonight
Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans combined to make 4-for-13 3-pointers for the Sky tonight
Arike Ogunbowale responded with a 2-for-6 clip from the same distance.