Wings Look to Bounce Back After Tough Loss Against Mercury

Wings Look to Bounce Back After Tough Loss Against Mercury

In a rematch against the Phoenix Mercury, the Dallas Wings faced a disappointing end to their momentum from a recent victory, suffering a heavy 102-72 defeat. Sami Whitcomb starred for the Mercury, scoring 36 points, while Alyssa Thomas achieved a triple-double with 15 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking a significant win for Phoenix, who improved to 13-6 this season. Conversely, Dallas fell to 6-14, enduring its most significant loss of the year.

The rematch came just days after the Wings’ victory over Phoenix, but the game quickly showcased the Mercury’s intensity. Whitcomb’s explosive performance, including 19 points in the first quarter alone, set the tone for the game. Dallas struggled early, shooting only 40% in the opening frame, while the Mercury shined at 55%, extending the lead significantly.

Despite attempts to rally back, including a brief six-point cut into the lead in the second quarter, Phoenix consistently responded to any momentum shifts by Dallas. The Wings saw encouraging performances from rookie JJ Quinerly, who led the team with a career-high 18 points, and Aziaha James, who scored 15 points in her seventh straight game in double figures. However, it wasn’t enough to combat the powerful offense and cohesive defense displayed by the Mercury.

A pivotal moment came in the third quarter, where Phoenix unleashed a devastating 19-0 run, which effectively sealed the game. The Wings struggled offensively, unable to convert quality shots, and saw their scoring dip significantly.

Coaches and players acknowledged the learning experiences such losses provide, particularly for the younger members of the Wings team, many of whom are adjusting to increased roles due to injuries. Despite this setback, head coach Chris Koclanes and players like Quinerly expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the importance of short-term memory and growth. They recognized the need to learn from this defeat and to carry those lessons into upcoming games.

Looking ahead, the Wings are preparing for a crucial matchup against the Chicago Sky, a team they are eager to face after losing to them twice this season. With determination and lessons learned from this recent defeat, players are focused on bouncing back and showing resilience in their next outing. The game against Chicago is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT, and the Wings are determined to showcase their growth and dedication.

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