On May 13 local time, the Dallas Wings hosted the Atlanta Dream in a WNBA regular-season matchup. After leading by three points at halftime, the Wings were gradually overtaken by the Dream in the second half, ultimately falling 72-77 to suffer their first loss of the season. Chinese player Li Yueru was not used for the entire game for the first time this season, and the top overall pick Fude also remained on the bench.
Key Statistics
Wings: Arike Ogunbowale (20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist), Paige (15 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists), Shepard (12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists).
Dream: Gray (26 points, 4 rebounds), Canada (19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals), Howard (14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists), Reese (12 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists).
Game Recap
In their season opener, the Wings defeated the Fever 107-104 on the road. Li Yueru played just 4 minutes and 3 seconds off the bench in that game, missing her only field goal attempt but making 3 of 4 free throws, finishing with 3 points and 1 rebound.
In their first home game of the season, the Wings faced the Dream, who had narrowly beaten the Lynx 91-90 in their opener. The first quarter was a tight back-and-forth, with the Wings holding a 21-19 lead. The Wings maintained their scoring pace in the second quarter, outscoring the Dream 20-19 to take a 41-38 advantage into halftime.
Li Yueru did not see playing time in the first half. The Wings went 3-of-16 from three-point range, while the Dream were 4-of-19, with neither team finding much success from deep. No player had reached double figures by the break.
The game remained close in the third quarter, with the Wings scoring fewer than 20 points in a quarter for the first time. The Dream, meanwhile, scored 20 points in the period, trimming the Wings’ lead to 59-58. Li Yueru still did not enter the game.
In the fourth quarter, the Dream opened with an 8-0 run to take a 7-point lead. The Wings later fell behind 65-73, and with under a minute remaining, trailed 67-77. Despite a late rally, the Wings could not complete the comeback, dropping their first game of the season.
Li Yueru was not used for the first time this season, though the top overall pick Fude also remained on the bench. In a tight contest, the Wings opted for a conservative rotation.
Starting Lineups
Wings: Ogunbowale, Shepard, Smith, Paige, Sims
Dream: Howard, Hillmon, Reese, Gray, Canada