The Dallas Wings are in a bit of a pickle. They're currently sitting in eighth place, just barely hanging onto the final playoff spot with a 5.5-game gap to the ninth-place Portland. It's a tight race, and the Wings are determined to turn things around before the regular season ends next month. They'll have a chance to snap their three-game losing streak when they host the Toronto Tempo in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday.
The Wings' recent performance has been a bit of a rollercoaster. They started the season strong with an 18-9 record, but then lost five of their next six games, allowing 94 or more points in each of those losses. The most recent defeat was a 103-90 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, where Kayla McBride broke the WNBA single-game record with 10 three-pointers. It's a testament to the Wings' resilience that they still managed to lead by as many as eight points in the second quarter, despite the eventual loss.
Coach Jose Fernandez praised his team's energy and effort, especially after their previous loss to the Golden State Warriors. He highlighted the issue of live-ball turnovers, which gave the Lynx extra possessions and ultimately contributed to their victory. The Wings conceded 19 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 26 points.
Unfortunately, the Wings will be without two key players against the Tempo. Rookie guard Azzi Fudd is out with right knee soreness, and Jessica Shepard, a do-it-all veteran, left the game after just five minutes with a right ankle injury. Shepard, who averages 14.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, has been declared out for the Toronto game, while Fudd is listed as questionable.
The Tempo, on the other hand, are in even worse shape. They've lost nine straight games and have the worst scoring defense in the league, allowing 94.1 points per game. Veteran guard Brittney Sykes, who leads the team in scoring with 20.1 points per game, has been sidelined since mid-June with a plantar fascia injury. Her absence has only exacerbated the Tempo's defensive struggles.
Despite the Tempo's struggles, the Wings can't afford to underestimate them. Toronto's Marina Mabrey averages 20.7 points per game, and even without Sykes, they still have the ability to score. The Wings will need to bring their A-game if they want to snap their losing streak and secure a playoff spot.
In my opinion, the Wings have the talent and the determination to turn things around. They've shown flashes of promise, and with a few key players returning, they have the potential to make a run for the playoffs. It's a matter of consistency and staying focused. The Tempo, despite their injuries, will be a tough opponent, but the Wings have the home-court advantage and the desire to prove themselves. It should be an exciting game, and I'm eager to see how the Wings respond.
One thing is for sure: the Wings are not going to give up without a fight. They've got the skill and the heart to make a push for the postseason. It's up to them to execute and show that they belong in the playoffs.
