The WNBA’s second half is set to kick off with the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings facing off in Arlington, Texas, following a month-long break. Both teams have high hopes for the remainder of the season, with the Sun eyeing a championship while the Wings are determined to climb out of the league’s cellar.
New Additions and Expectations:
The Sun made a significant move just before the break, acquiring guard Marina Mabrey from the Chicago Sky. Mabrey brings a scoring punch to the Sun, averaging 14 points per game with her former team. Her addition bolsters an already strong Connecticut lineup, with players like DeWanna Bonner leading the team in scoring and Alyssa Thomas filling up the stat sheet in multiple categories.
On the other hand, the Wings are excited to finally have forward Satou Sabally back in action after a shoulder injury sidelined her for the first half of the season. Sabally, a member of the German national team, is expected to make a big impact for Dallas as they look to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. Head coach Latricia Trammell expressed optimism about Sabally’s return, citing her impact on both ends of the court.
Championship Aspirations vs. Playoff Push:
Connecticut currently sits at second place in the league standings with a record of 18-6, just 2 1/2 games behind the New York Liberty. The Sun have their sights set on a championship, with key players like Bonner and Thomas leading the charge. With the addition of Mabrey, the Sun are confident in their ability to contend for the WNBA title and are eager to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, the Wings find themselves at the bottom of the standings with a record of 6-19, tied with the Washington Mystics. Despite their struggles, Dallas remains hopeful that Sabally’s return will spark a turnaround and propel them into playoff contention. Star guard Arike Ogunbowale has been a standout performer for the Wings, leading the team in scoring and assists. With the support of players like Teaira McCowan, who excels in rebounding and shot-blocking, the Wings are determined to make a push for the postseason.
Previous Matchups and Outlook:
Connecticut has had the upper hand in their matchups against Dallas this season, winning both games earlier in the year. The Sun secured a 74-72 victory at home on May 31 and followed it up with an 85-67 win in Arlington on June 15. With a strong record against the Wings, Connecticut will look to continue their success in the upcoming game and maintain their position near the top of the standings.
As the second half of the WNBA season gets underway, both the Sun and the Wings are eager to make their mark and achieve their respective goals. With new additions strengthening their rosters and key players stepping up, these teams are poised for an exciting and competitive second half of the season. Fans can expect intense matchups and thrilling moments as the race for the playoffs heats up in the weeks ahead.