Home / Sports / Wings Fall in OT Thriller Without Bueckers
Wings Fall in OT Thriller Without Bueckers
21 Jul
Summary
- Dallas Wings lost to New York Liberty 99-98 in overtime.
- All-Star guard Paige Bueckers missed the game due to injury.
- Key players Ogunbowale, Fudd, and Sheppard stepped up in Bueckers' absence.
The Dallas Wings experienced their first July defeat, narrowly losing 99-98 to the New York Liberty in overtime on Monday at College Park Center. This game was a rescheduled makeup from earlier in the week due to the Liberty's flight issues.
The Wings played without their All-Star guard Paige Bueckers, who was sidelined due to soreness after sustaining a head injury in a game on Sunday. Despite Bueckers' absence, who is averaging an MVP-caliber 20.9 points, the Wings showcased their team depth.
Arike Ogunbowale led the scoring with 29 points, while rookie Azzi Fudd contributed 15 points, shooting 60% from three-point range. Jessica Sheppard achieved her sixth consecutive double-double, adding 13 points and 16 rebounds to the effort.
Coach Jose Fernandez expressed pride in the team's character, noting their ability to compete effectively without a player of Bueckers' caliber. The Wings had a strong defensive third quarter, limiting the Liberty to just one point in the first six minutes and building a lead.
Despite leading for most of the fourth quarter, a technical foul and clutch free throws by Ogunbowale sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, the Liberty's Stewart and Ionescu proved decisive. Ogunbowale had a last-second chance to win but narrowly missed the layup.
The Wings are set to play their final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday against the Portland Fire. Bueckers' availability for that game remains uncertain. Both Bueckers and Sheppard are selected for the upcoming All-Star game.
