In a highly anticipated WNBA matchup on May 29, 2025, the Chicago Sky defeated the Dallas Wings 97-92 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, ending their five-game losing streak. The game, a clash of young stars and seasoned veterans, showcased electrifying performances, with Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers facing off for the first time professionally. Arike Ogunbowale’s sharpshooting kept Dallas in the game, but Chicago’s late surge sealed their first victory of the 2025 season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this exciting contest.
The Dallas Wings, coming off their first win of the season against the Connecticut Sun, entered the game with momentum. Their starting lineup featured No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, alongside DiJonai Carrington, NaLyssa Smith, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Arike Ogunbowale. The Chicago Sky, desperate to reverse their 0-5 start, relied on their core of Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Kia Nurse, Ariel Atkins, and Courtney Vandersloot. Both teams brought high energy, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
The game was billed as a must-watch, with fans eager to see how Bueckers, the 2025 draft’s top pick, would fare against Reese, a former All-Star looking to anchor Chicago’s rebuild. The Wings aimed to build on their recent success, while the Sky fought to turn their season around. The matchup did not disappoint, delivering fast-paced action and dramatic momentum swings.
The Sky came out firing, led by Kamilla Cardoso’s dominance in the paint. Cardoso scored 12 of Chicago’s first 18 points, exploiting smart play designs to establish strong positioning. Her physicality overwhelmed Dallas’ interior defense, helping the Sky build a 29-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Angel Reese, though quieter offensively, contributed with rebounds and hustle plays, setting the tone for Chicago’s aggressive start.
For the Wings, Arike Ogunbowale showed flashes of her scoring prowess, but Dallas struggled to find rhythm against Chicago’s stifling defense. The Sky’s perimeter defense, despite being a noted weakness this season, held firm early, limiting Dallas’ outside shooting.
The second quarter saw Dallas mount a comeback, fueled by Ogunbowale’s red-hot shooting. She poured in points from beyond the arc, taking advantage of Chicago’s defensive lapses. The Wings’ ball movement improved, with Myisha Hines-Allen dishing out key assists to keep the offense flowing. By halftime, Dallas had cut the deficit to six points, trailing 49-42.
Angel Reese struggled to find her offensive groove, scoring just one point on a free throw in the second quarter. However, her presence on the boards—grabbing six rebounds by halftime—kept Chicago in control. The Sky’s starting five all contributed, with Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot providing veteran leadership to maintain the lead.
Arike Ogunbowale stole the show in the third quarter, erupting for 14 points and erasing Chicago’s lead. Her ability to knock down three-pointers against the Sky’s porous perimeter defense was a game-changer, as Dallas seized control. Paige Bueckers also stepped up, stuffing the stat sheet with points, assists, and rebounds, showcasing why she’s considered a generational talent.
Chicago’s offense faltered, with Reese managing just one point in the third and failing to attempt a field goal. The Sky’s defensive rating, the worst in the WNBA at 113.6, showed its cracks as Dallas capitalized on open looks. By the end of the quarter, the Wings had flipped the script, holding a slim lead and putting Chicago on the ropes.
The final period was a rollercoaster. Angel Reese found her rhythm, going 2-for-2 from the field and sparking a Chicago comeback. The Sky’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Kamilla Cardoso continued to dominate inside, while Ariel Atkins’ clutch shooting helped Chicago regain the lead.
Dallas fought back, with Ogunbowale and Bueckers combining for key buckets, but the Sky’s late-game execution proved too much. Chicago’s balanced attack, with all starters scoring in double digits, sealed the 97-92 victory. Reese finished with a modest stat line but made critical plays in the clutch, while Cardoso’s paint presence was a difference-maker.
Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings): Ogunbowale was the game’s leading scorer, showcasing her reputation as a sharpshooting threat. Her third-quarter explosion nearly swung the game in Dallas’ favor, and her performance validated predictions that she’d exploit Chicago’s weak perimeter defense. Analysts at Covers.com had pegged her to hit over 2.5 three-pointers, a mark she easily surpassed.
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings): In her first professional matchup against Reese, Bueckers delivered a well-rounded performance, building on her 21-point, seven-assist, five-rebound game against Connecticut. Her poise under pressure highlighted her potential as a franchise cornerstone.
Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): Despite early struggles, Reese’s fourth-quarter spark and rebounding tenacity were crucial in Chicago’s comeback. Her double-double (points and rebounds) underscored her value, even on a tough shooting night.
Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky): Cardoso’s dominance in the paint set the tone early and kept Chicago competitive. Her 12 first-quarter points were a career highlight, showing her growth as a key piece for the Sky.
The Sky’s victory was a statement win, proving they could compete despite their early-season struggles. Their ability to rally in the fourth quarter showed resilience, a positive sign for a team looking to climb out of the WNBA basement. For Dallas, the loss highlighted their reliance on Ogunbowale’s scoring and the need for consistent contributions from their supporting cast.
Chicago’s defensive issues, particularly on the perimeter, remain a concern. As noted by Covers.com, opponents have been “feasting from deep” against the Sky, and Dallas nearly capitalized on this weakness. The Sky will need to shore up their defense to sustain this momentum.
For the Wings, Bueckers’ continued development is a bright spot. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways suggests Dallas has a star in the making. However, their 1-5 record reflects growing pains for a roster that underwent a major offseason overhaul.
The Chicago Sky will aim to build on this win as they face the Indiana Fever next, a matchup featuring another high-profile rivalry with Caitlin Clark. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, will look to regroup against the Atlanta Dream, hoping to leverage their recent offensive strides. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance in this game, setting the stage for exciting battles as the 2025 WNBA season unfolds.
For more details on the game, check out the full box score and player stats at Sportskeeda. To follow the latest WNBA predictions and betting odds, visit Covers.com. For viewing options and broadcast details, see USA Today.
The Wings vs. Sky matchup was a thrilling showcase of the WNBA’s bright future, with young stars like Bueckers and Reese stepping up alongside veterans like Ogunbowale and Cardoso. Chicago’s hard-fought win could be a turning point, while Dallas will look to harness their offensive firepower in future games. As the 2025 season progresses, both teams have the potential to make waves in a competitive league.
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