The Dallas Wings were confident as they stepped foot on the Target Center in Minneapolis. While they had a dominating start with a 10-point lead in the first quarter, this confidence started convulsing as the home team, Minnesota Lynx gradually overpowered the Wings. The fourth quarter attempt to save the team from falling was too late. Result? The Wings came crashing down with 85-81 against the former runner ups, for the second time in a row.

As the Lynx roster, led by Napheesa Collier, took charge of the game, young players like Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale fought their hardest to keep up. But this loss came with a sense of hope for the Wings. While Arike, who is still finding her footing in the locker room managed 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting, rookie Paige dropped a  double-double. It was a first career feat for Bueckers, who has showcased immense improvement ever since her induction in the roster.

Meanwhile, national reporter, Sabrina Merchant was appreciative of Buecker’s gameplay during the regular season and while she observed how the player no longer assists Arike, the game against Minnesota Lynx saw multiple assists from Paige to the team captain. This indicates efforts and an improved communication from both the ends, which is sure to go a long away.

“I think it was a good thing that after two games of Paige not assisting Arike, we did get the first assist. Multiple assists actually from Paige to Arike during that Minnesota game. I just think that there is still an understanding of how those two are going to work together,” Merchant said on the No Offseason podcast.On the other hand, Merchant also dropped a 3-word reality check on the Wings’ roster.

She referred to a lack of consistency in the Dallas Wings locker room, ever since the preseason games this year. According to her, this inconsistency is largely visible in a team that has a new head coach in Chris Koclanes along with newly inducted players like Paige Bueckers in the roster.

“They play at different tempos. I think Arike has been getting hers in transition and Paige is sort of trying to manipulate the defence within the half court and it’s just trying to figure out how the two of them can accentuate each other’s strengths because they are coming from such different systems,” Merchant said. “And in Dallas with all of this lack of continuity and a new head coach there’s a lot to get into.” The Wings have a roster with mostly new players who bring different perspectives, and a new coach, it is difficult for Arike to adjust to the changing locker room dynamic.

This “lack of consistency” Sabrina pointed to league-wide issues, but it echoes some of the deeper challenges in the Wings’ locker room. With four rookies, including No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, and a new head coach in Chris Koclanes, the team’s still figuring out its identity. Arike’s fast-paced, transition-heavy style contrasts with Paige’s slower, half-court approach, which can lead to missteps if they don’t find common ground. Without building trust and a shared rhythm, the locker room risks tension as everyone adjusts to new roles.

Pointing at different playmaking styles of the players, she suggests how the two power-packed women can propel the team to their first win of the season. While the team has an ability to win, they need more communication and better understanding of each other’s strengths in order to utilise the entire team in a positive manner.

With a defeat margin this close, the Wings under Arike are fully capable of winning. Though Arike is dealing with the adjustments that come with rebuilding the roster, she largely agrees with HC Koclanes plans of moving one step at a time. “I mean, it’s a new— a new everything. So just giving myself grace, but trying to be there for my team and them being there for me. So this was a good, better game than last game,” Ogunbowale said in a post-game interview. “Obviously, we want the win. We’re going to keep getting better. We still got, what, 41 games left? But this is a step.” And a bold one at that.

Can Dallas Wings rise and secure a winning streak?

Dallas Wings hit a strong blow as All-Stars Satau Sabally and Natasha Howard decided to try their luck in other teams. But with Arike Ogunbowale, GM Curt Miller took a chance and developed a young and power-packed roster with Bueckers, Tyasha Harris, NaLyssa Smith, DiJonai Carrington, and Maddy Seigrist among others.

Despite a sinking boat, the Dallas Wings have shown much improved overall statistics, especially during the latest game against the Lynx. While Arike could only make 6-of-26 from the field, putting up only 24 points in the last two games, it seems like she is coming to terms with an upgraded roster as she averaged 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting in the last match.

While the top scorer has been struggling, this is impacting the team as well. With the team heavily dependent on Arike, her efficient gameplay means that the team is gradually coming out of the spell. And maybe the positive effects of already started showing. With an exceptional performance by Arike against the Lynx on May 21, 2025, the team is not far behind. As a team that made 19 turnovers and returned back from an 11-point deficit to get within just three, the future surely looks promising.

Besides, with Maddy at the backcourt and Arike guarding the fort with forward Paige Bueckers, the Wings have nothing to worry about. And as fans wait in anticipation, to watch one of their favourite teams create magic on the hardwood, in the words of HC Chris Koclanes, “It will improve over time.” Rest assured, we are just as hopeful as Chris and his team.