Dream Hand Wings Their Fourth Straight Loss
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Dallas Wings 83–75, handing Dallas its fourth straight loss to open the season. Atlanta put on an all-around strong performance, with three players scoring in double figures despite a quiet night from the 2022 number-one overall pick, Rhyne Howard, who finished with just nine points. The Dream was led by Allisha Gray, who poured in 27 points. Dallas made a push in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to five, but couldn’t complete the comeback. The game reinforced the Wings’ struggles to execute effectively and maintain cohesion against a disciplined Dream squad.
Despite selecting Paige Bueckers with the number one overall pick in this year’s draft, the Wings remain winless through their first four games of the season. Bueckers’ arrival sparked high hopes that the rookie could ignite an offensive turnaround, but so far, Dallas has struggled to find any consistent rhythm. The team’s offense lacks the ball movement, spacing, and execution needed to create quality scoring opportunities. Even Arike Ogunbowale, typically the team’s go-to scorer, has been inefficient and unable to generate strong looks. On the defensive end, the Wings have also faltered, allowing opponents to settle into their game early and failing to contain any kind of drives to the basket. Veteran players have yet to provide the steady leadership this young core desperately needs, leaving the overall system feeling unsettled. For a team with undeniable talent on paper, the growing lack of cohesion on both ends of the floor is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The Wings have undeniable talent on their roster, but their early struggles underscore the need for greater cohesion and execution on both ends of the floor. While Dallas works to blend its young core with leadership and tighten its defense, the Dream demonstrated why it remains a tough, disciplined team capable of beating anyone on any day. Atlanta’s balanced scoring and strong team play have served them well early in the season, highlighting the challenge Dallas faces in turning potential into consistent results. The Wings must quickly find their rhythm and deliver stronger performances if they hope to snap their skid and change the course of their season.
