Takeaways from Dallas Win Over NY

By John R. Posey, USN

Arlington, TX—The Dallas Wings (13-9) continued their winning ways in July (7-2) with a dominating win 104-87 over the New York Liberty (7-15). Liz Cambage had a night for the ages with a stat line that included 53 points (WNBA Record), 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Here are some of my takeaways from the win.

1) Liz Cambage has become the most dominant player in the WNBA. She is second in scoring (21.4 ppg,), second in rebounds (9.2 rpg), 4th in blocks (1.9 per game), 4th in FG% (58.7%). She has battled elite centers Sylvia Fowles and Brittany Griner on even terms.

2) Forwards Glory Johnson (8.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Kayla Thornton (8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg) give the Wings athletic, book end players who can guard multiple positions. Neither needs the ball to score and can get buckets on follow shots and steals. Rookie Azura’ Stevens (8.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 bpg) gives the Wings a versatile 6’6” forward off the bench.

3) The Wings have greatly improved their entry passes to Cambage. The passes are crisper and are coming before the double team gets to Cambage. Liz is not holding the ball as long once she receives it. She either kicks it back out sooner and re-posts or makes her move to the basket. As a result, team turnovers are down.

4) Skylar Diggins-Smith (19.0 ppg) has become more of a facilitator and lets the game come to her. She tends to score more in the 2nd half or when Cambage is on the bench now. Skylar D has proven to be the ultimate teammate.

5) The young, Dallas Wings are a legitimate threat to win the 2018 title. They have wins over elite teams like Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. They have yet to beat the defending champion Minnesota Lynx in all three games, but pushed them to the wall in a close loss in July, 76-72.

6) Leticia Romero and Cayla George are solid role players who have high basketball IQ’s. They know their role and are ready to play when their number is called.

7) The Wings perimeter defense needs to improve. Liberty guards, Epiphanny Prince, Shavonte Zellous, Bria Hartley, and Kia Nurse shot 18-33 (54.5%). Many of their jumpers were uncontested due Wings guards gambling on making a steal.

8) The Wings need to win 5 of their 6 six games which are all against Eastern Conference teams. This would all but guarantee a playoff berth.

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