ARLINGTON, Texas — In a thrilling Game 1 of the WNBA Playoffs, the Dallas Wings battled back against the Atlanta Dream to win 94-82 Friday night in Arlington.
Satou Sabally had 32 points, Arike Ogunbowale scored 24 and Teaira McCowan added a double-double to help Dallas overcome a slow start.
Atlanta was on a 7-0 run before Sabally drew a foul and hit a 2-point shot at the 8:05 mark. Sabally was the answer offensively for Dallas in the first quarter, making the team’s first nine points.
But still, it was all Atlanta in the first quarter – red hot from beyond the arc with six triples.
Then, the trio of Sabally, Ogunowale and McCowan woke up and started the comeback for the Wings.
Sabally notched a playoff-high for the fourth-seeded Wings, sinking 11 of 20 shots from the floor — with three 3-pointers — and all seven of her free throws. She also had five rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Ogunbowale added nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the Wings, who went 3-0 against Atlanta in the regular season.
McCowan totaled 17 points — on 6-of-7 shooting — and 14 rebounds, including seven on offense. It was her second career postseason double-double.
Rhyne Howard, the top pick in the 2022 draft, finished with 36 points for the Dream, who were playing in the postseason for the first time since 2018. Howard made 13 of 29 shots, including 8 of 15 from beyond the arc. Allisha Gray pitched in with 21 points, seven boards and three steals. Cheyenne Parker scored 11 on 5-of-16 shooting with eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.
Dallas didn't get their first lead in the game until the third quarter.
Aari McDonald's layup gave Atlanta a 76-73 lead with 7:10 remaining in the game. Sabally buried a 3-pointer to tie the game, McCowan scored off a rebound and Dallas never trailed again.
Now, it will be on to Game 2, where the Wings will look to advance to the second round of WNBA Playoffs for the first time since moving the franchise to DFW. The game is set to tipoff Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. -- once again at home, College Park Center in Arlington.
