On May 19, the Dallas Wings fell 0-2 at the beginning of the 2025 WNBA season, after losing 79-71 to the Seattle Storm. Even as the Wings did many things, tried multiple attempts to be a bit better than their last game, they could not overcome the slow start in the first half.
Consequently, their 37% field goal percentage and their 21% 3-point range percentage left fans longing for more. Arike Ogunbowale, in particular, had a rather tough night. And the Wings’ HC Chris Koclanes did not shy away from noting the struggles down, post-game.
Arike Ogunbowale’s Slump – Are the Wings Really Going To Be Okay?
Wings’ guard, Ogunbowale, struggled through the matchup against the Storm, as she managed to finish with just 8 points on 2 of 14 shooting from the field and 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. She had no assists in all the 27 minutes she played.
Analysts and fans who have seen her perform know her potential and shooting abilities. She’s one of the best guards in the league, so when she cannot do what she’s meant to do, it poses detrimental effects on the team overall. HC Chris Kocklanes let his displeasure show.
“Continue to go to her and empower her to contnue to be aggressive, you know, playing within our structure,” Wings HC said. He continued, “And really finding ways to impact the game when she’s not scoring. I think that’s a growth opportunity for her. And so, the more she could continue to impact the game, when the ball’s going in, the more she’s going to help this team.”
Wings coach Chris Koclanes says on nights when Arike’s not scoring — like tonight in a loss to Seattle (2-14, 1-8 from 3) — she needs to look for other ways to have an impact. pic.twitter.com/c8csjycveN
— Jamie Hancock (@jamiedhancock) May 20, 2025
Even though Arike is the best player on the Wings’ roster, the game really showed that she might be struggling to adjust with the new teammates. She’s maybe trying to find her rhythm, and it might take some time for her.
Of all the players she’s used to playing alongside, only three remain from a season ago. The rest of the roster is entirely new to her, and maybe team chemistry is causing her true self to come out. Even their head coach is a first-time WNBA coach.
With the next game scheduled for Wednesday in Minnesota against the Lynx, it remains to be seen how well the team chemistry will improve. Reliance on Arike is crucial for the team’s success.
Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm: A Recap
In the eccentric game between Wings and Storm, Nneka Ogwumike managed to put together 23 points, with 19 rebounds. Skylar Diggins scored 21 points, with nine assists. A strong performance, where Seattle managed to hold off Dallas’ efforts in the second half.
Gabby Williams scored 17 points for the Storm, and the team distributed 25 assists on 29 baskets. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers also put up a strong performance, with 19 points and 8 assists.
Overall, Dallas managed just 4 of 19 3-point attempts. They fell behind by 17 points in the first half, trailing 56-41 during halftime. And then, with just 46 seconds remaining on the clock in the third quarter, Dallas rallied to 64-61. Alas, they never could get closer.
The Storm put up 9-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc before halftime and finished 29 for 70 overall.