Dallas Wings are at 500 following a 94-90 victory vs Seattle

 

 

During the first quarter, the Dallas Wings jumped all over the Seattle Storm to tune of a 34 to 20 lead after one. In the second it did not fair any better for the Storm as the lead grew to 30 points at one point, but they would cut the lead to 17 going into the half with the score being 36 to 53.

The Wings were led by their two stars guard Skylar Diggins Smith who would finish the game with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Along with Liz Cambage who dominated the Storm finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, one assist.

The Seattle would not give without a fight as they took a page out of the Golden State Warriors playbook as they stormed back into the game. During the third quarter, Seattle was able to cut the lead to two at 1:22 mark. Led by Breanna Stewart who would finish with a quiet 28 points as Sue Bird put it after the game, as she had been a late scratch before the game due to rest. Breanna would add seven rebounds, and four dimes. Forward Natasha Howard also had a solid game with 19 points, nine rebounds, and an assist. Third-year veteran Jewell Loyd would chip in with 16 points, three rebounds, and a dime. Rookie Jordin Canada would get the start for Bird added nine points, nine dimes, and a rebound.

The Wings were able to squeeze out the win against the Storm 94 to 90 at the College Park Center in Arlington Texas. Next, up for the Wings, they had back on the road for a date with the Indiana Fever and a homecoming for Smith, who was a standout at Notre Dame. After the game, I was able to catch up with both Sue Bird and Skylar Diggins Smith for some post-game comments.

I had the opportunity ask Sue about the culture at UConn and her thoughts on former  Seattle Sonic Ray Allen being selected to basketball Hall of Fame later this year.

“The thing about UConn is that have been a lot of amazing players that have gone there. The one thing that I think is different from other universities from my perspective is we have created a family atmosphere. Ray Allen is someone that I did not have the opportunity to go to school with, but if I were to run into him right now. It would seem like we have known each other for years. As for him being elected to the Hall of Fame, there are very few athletes that have been successful at every level. The future Hall Of Famer would go on to say that it was great having him in Seattle long with Rasheed Lewis.” says Bird

Of course, Ray Allen would go on to win titles in Boston and Miami. Bird would finish by stating some of the things Allen has done off the court within the community.

Bird would share some of the things that she would like to see from Breanna and Jewell this season. She would like to see them make an impact on the game no matter what, that is what separates the good player from the great ones. Jewell was not able to get things going earlier, but she contributed in other areas, and Breanna had a quiet 28 points. The most important thing is you have to keep a steady balance and make an impact in all aspect of the game.

I was also able to catch up with Skylar Diggins Smith after to game, and she discussed trying to be the best leader that she could be for this team. The Wings are currently in a nine women rotation with Aerial Powers, Theresa Plaisance, and Glory Johnson all out nursing injuries. Running a nine women rotation puts heavy minutes on starters such as Smith and Cambage. Smith stated that she was happy with the way Cambage was able to make big free throws down the stretch to hold off the charging Storm from winning their sixth game in a row. Smith would continue by sharing that she thought Cambage is the hardest player in the league from her standpoint, and when she decides to take the game over she can.

The next home game for the Wings will be against the Phoenix Mercury on June 12th.