Dallas Wings Struggle with Absences, Fall to Dream
The Dallas Wings were forced to seek emergency reinforcements in order to have the necessary players and face the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. Despite the struggle, the Wings failed to overcome the Dream, losing with a score of 100-78. To meet the minimum of eight available players, Dallas signed Christyn Williams and extended a seven-day contract to Amy Okonkwo.The Wings were able to sign players under the hardship exception, as they were below the required minimum, a situation that arises when a team has two or more players absent due to injury, illness, or other circumstances.We didn’t know if we would have enough players to play tonight.
Maddy Siegrist, Wings player
Dallas is missing Luisa Geiselsoder (right shoulder), Ty Harris (left knee), Aziaha James (right ankle), Haley Jones (right knee), Arike Ogunbowale (right knee), JJ Quinerly (left knee), and Li Yueru (left knee). Bueckers, who missed the last game, was able to play against the Dream.We’re playing with what we have. There are people coming who have never played before.
Paige Bueckers, with 16 points and 10 assists
Dallas was close at the beginning of the last quarter, but Atlanta scored the first eight points to secure the victory.Our office has been busy. It’s a shame with the problem we’re having now. I wish everyone is healthy and can recover quickly. A lot of work behind the scenes to see who is available. It’s a strange time of year because many players are heading abroad for their international responsibilities.
Chris Koclanes, Dallas coach
The Wings (9-31) have not had any player present in all games this season and the franchise has accumulated more than 100 games lost due to injuries or absences during the season.We ran out of energy a bit. We had some defensive lapses.
Siegrist
