Wings go cold late as Dream spoil Dallas home opener

The Dallas Wings opened their home slate with momentum, energy, and another strong showing from their backcourt Tuesday night. But the fourth quarter belonged to the Atlanta Dream.

Why it matters: Dallas had a chance to move to 2-0 after its explosive season-opening win over Indiana, but cold shooting and Atlanta’s rebounding edge flipped the game late in a 77-72 loss at College Park Center.

The big picture: The Wings led 41-38 at halftime and carried a 59-58 advantage into the fourth quarter before Atlanta closed the game on a decisive run.

By the numbers:

• Allisha Gray paced Atlanta with 26 points, including several clutch baskets in the second half.
• Angel Reese posted 12 points and 16 rebounds for her 51st career double-double.
• Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 20 points, while Paige Bueckers added 15.
• The Wings struggled from deep, shooting just 4-for-26 from three-point range after hitting double-digit threes in their opener.

What happened: Dallas appeared in control for much of the night despite missing rookie guard Azzi Fudd, who was held out because of a right knee issue.

• The Wings’ defense forced tough looks early, and their transition offense kept the home crowd engaged.
• But Atlanta’s physicality slowly took over.
• The Dream dominated the glass behind Reese and repeatedly created second-chance opportunities in the second half. A late three-pointer from Jordin Canada helped seal the comeback as Dallas’ offense stalled in crunch time.

Between the lines: The loss highlighted the contrast between Dallas’ first two games.

• Against Indiana, the Wings overwhelmed the Fever with perimeter shooting and pace.
• Against Atlanta, they faced a tougher defensive group that disrupted rhythm and limited clean looks from outside.

What they’re saying: Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said Dallas has to execute better late in close games after the offense sputtered in the fourth quarter.

• “You’re up one going into the fourth, you’ve got to close those games out,” Fernandez said. “ We need to do a better job when the ball’s not going in the basket.”
• “We got a lot of good shots,” Ogunbowale said. “But they used their length and their speed.”

What’s next: Dallas looks to regroup after splitting its opening two games, traveling to Minnesota on Thursday to face the Lynx.