
Dallas, TX – July 5, 2024
In a high-octane battle at the College Park Center, the Dallas Wings narrowly defeated the Atlanta Dream with a final score of 84-82 on Friday night. The game, which saw both teams missing key players due to injuries, unfolded as a testament to perseverance and skill on the court.
The Atlanta Dream entered the contest aiming to bounce back from their previous loss to the Chicago Sky, but faced a tough challenge without star player Jordin Canada, sidelined with a broken finger sustained against the New York Liberty on June 30th. Adding to the pre-game dynamics, the Dream bolstered their roster by signing Destanni Henderson to a seven-day hardship contract. Henderson, a former Indiana Fever draft pick and participant in the Dream’s preseason, injected energy into the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Wings, with a record of 4-16 entering the game, capitalized on home court advantage and opened strong with early baskets from Odyssey Sims and Jacy Sheldon. Both teams battled intensely in the first quarter, ending with the Wings holding a slight lead at 20-16.
The second quarter saw a resurgence from Atlanta, fueled by Haley Jones’ aggressive play and effective shooting. Jones, along with Alisha Gray and Tina Charles, led a charge that saw the Dream shooting 53% from the floor, narrowly trailing the Wings 42-41 at halftime.
Jacey Sheldon continued to shine for Dallas in the third quarter, hitting crucial three-pointers to keep the momentum on the Wings’ side. However, Atlanta staged a comeback led by Tina Charles, reclaiming the lead briefly before Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale responded with a clutch three-pointer. The quarter ended with Atlanta narrowly ahead, 61-60, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Tina Charles secured a crucial layup to give the Dream a 67-65 lead, a pivotal moment in the game. This basket also marked a significant personal milestone for Charles, as it propelled her into third place on the All-Time Leading Scorers list with an impressive total of 7,381 points.
The teams traded baskets and fouls in a tightly contested battle. Odyssey Sims emerged as a key player for Dallas, scoring key points down the stretch, including a crucial three-pointer and a steal that shifted momentum in favor of the Wings. Despite a valiant effort by Atlanta in the closing seconds, including a last-minute basket by Haley Jones, Dallas managed to hold on for the 84-82 victory.
The win improved Dallas’ record to 5-16, while Atlanta’s record dropped to 7-12 for the season. Despite shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field and showing resilience throughout, Atlanta struggled with turnovers, tallying a season-high 28 for the game.
The game showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. For the Atlanta Dream, the loss serves as motivation heading into their next matchups as they continue to strive for success in the competitive landscape of the WNBA.
Game Stats Atlanta Dallas
Filed goals 34/61 31/69
3-Point range 2/6 7/21
Assists 23 21
Points in the paint 56 38