Take Aways From Dallas Wings Win

By John Posey, USN

Arlington, TX--I have covered five of the Dallas Wings’ 2018 games and have the following observations about the team. They are much improved and have a bright future. They must continue to work hard to improve their perimeter defense. Wings management should be given credit for making some sage personnel moves.

1. The Wings should use Azure´ Stevens more to guard agile power forward like Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, Ellena Del Donne. She is quick, agile and 6’6”. Stevens is a bit raw offensively but has worked hard to expand her offensive game. She routinely works on shooting 3s two hours before game time. She is a quick jumper and shot blocker. Azure´ has the potential to be an All Star.

2. Rookie Leticia Romero is a great addition at backup point guard. She has handles, makes good decisions, brings heart on the court, and sports a nice jumper to the party. She also can play with Skylar and let her play at the shooting guard.

3. Australian Elizabeth Cambage is an All-Star caliber center. She averages over 19 points a game. She is 6’8” and matches up well with the best bigs in the WNBA like Griner, Fowles, and Charles. Liz must to cut down on silly fouls if the Wings are to make a deep playoff run

4. Sklyar doesn’t have to score 25-30 points every night for the Wings to win in 2018. There are scorers throughout the roster. Cambage, Johnson, Powers, and Gray are proven scorers who can drop 20 on any given night.

5. Recent signee, Cayla George, gives the Wings a competent backup center. The 6’4” Australian is a banger and can shoot the three. She went 2-2 against the LA Sparks. A great find in my opinion.

6. Assistant Coach, Erin Phillips, has a lot to do with Cambage and George landing in Dallas. She is also a native Australian. She gets an A as a talent scout.

7. The Wings have talented perimeter players like Kaela Davis, Allisha Gray, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Aerial Powers and Kayla Thornton. They must improve their defense on jump shooters if the Wings are to move into the elite bracket of the WNBA. I have covered 22 Wings games in 2017-2018 so I have a deep, knowledge base. There are far too many time that they give up wide open jump shots. This is one of the few glaring weaknesses of this talented team.

8. The Wings are going to have to win on the road to be contenders. They are 1-6 on the road in 2018. Veteran teams win on the road.

Photo Credit: John Posey, USN