The Dallas Wings hosted the Minnesota Lynx at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in what was a pivotal WNBA regular season and Commissioner’s Cup matchup. The Wings, struggling through a tough 2024-25 season with a 1-8 record and a four-game losing streak, were eager to snap their skid. Meanwhile, the Lynx entered the game undefeated at 9-0, riding high after a dominant win over the Phoenix Mercury and looking to extend their perfect start.
Despite the Wings’ determination, the Lynx showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency to maintain their unbeaten streak with an 81-65 victory. The Lynx’s relentless defense was evident from the opening tip, holding Dallas to just 29% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 24 points. The Wings faced significant roster challenges, missing key players Paige Bueckers (out due to illness despite recently clearing concussion protocol), Tyasha Harris (out with a left knee injury), and Teaira McCowan (absent on national team duty).
The game tipped off at 4 p.m. ET, broadcast locally on KFAA and streamed on WNBA League Pass, drawing fans eager to witness the clash between a struggling Wings squad and a dominant Lynx team. The Lynx wasted no time asserting control, using aggressive defense and fast-break opportunities to jump to a 24-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. Kayla McBride sparked the Lynx’s offense early, scoring 10 points in the opening frame, including a spectacular And-1 three-pointer that energized her team.
The Wings fought back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to six points at one stage, thanks largely to Arike Ogunbowale’s 20 first-half points. However, Minnesota responded with a 7-0 run to push their lead back to double digits, reaching as high as 17 points. At halftime, the Lynx led 46-39, powered by McBride’s 16 points and Napheesa Collier’s 14 points. Collier, fresh off her Player of the Month honors, was a force inside, combining scoring with defensive intensity.
After halftime, the Lynx continued to apply pressure, starting the third quarter with a 7-0 run and holding the Wings scoreless for nearly four minutes. However, Dallas showed resilience, limiting Minnesota to just 11 points in the quarter and cutting the lead to a nail-biting 57-56 heading into the final period. The Wings’ defense tightened, capitalizing on Lynx mistakes and keeping the game within reach.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Lynx’s depth and experience shone through. Courtney Williams returned after missing the third quarter, and along with Collier, who scored a quick five points early in the period, they orchestrated a decisive 14-3 run that put the game out of reach. Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend Minnesota’s lead to double digits, effectively sealing the victory. Collier finished with a game-high 28 points, while McBride contributed 21 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc.
Defensively, the Lynx were dominant, tallying 11 blocks with Alanna Smith leading the charge with four, and Collier adding three. Their suffocating defense disrupted the Wings’ offensive rhythm and kept them from mounting a serious comeback in the final minutes.
For the Wings, despite the loss, Ogunbowale’s performance was a bright spot, demonstrating her scoring ability and leadership. DiJonai Carrington, who had led the Wings in scoring in their previous game against the Los Angeles Sparks with 16 points, continued to be a key contributor, along with bench players JJ Quinerly and Luisa Geiselsoder. However, the absence of Bueckers and Harris was keenly felt, limiting Dallas’s offensive options and depth.
This game was the Wings’ second match in the Commissioner’s Cup series, an in-season tournament offering prize money and added stakes. Earlier in the week, the Wings suffered a 93-72 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks in the same tournament, further highlighting their struggles this season.
Looking ahead, the Lynx will travel west to face the Seattle Storm in a midweek Commissioner’s Cup matchup, aiming to continue their undefeated run. The Wings, meanwhile, will resume their regular season schedule with a home game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 11, televised locally on KFAA, the exclusive local television partner for the Wings, which offers more than half of their 2025 games free over-the-air in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Fans can catch upcoming Wings games on KFAA and other networks, with notable matchups against the Las Vegas Aces, Golden State, and Connecticut Sun on the horizon. The Wings will be eager to regroup and find their footing after this tough stretch, while the Lynx look poised to maintain their dominance as the season progresses.
Sunday’s game was a clear demonstration of the Lynx’s defensive intensity and offensive balance, as they controlled the tempo and capitalized on the Wings’ vulnerabilities. Minnesota’s ability to respond to Dallas’s late third-quarter rally with a commanding fourth quarter run underscores their status as a serious contender in the league.
As the Wings continue to battle through injuries and tough losses, their resilience will be tested in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Lynx’s perfect start adds to the excitement of the 2024-25 WNBA season, promising more thrilling encounters ahead.
