Wings vs. Aces Preview: Ogwumike vs. Wilson – Aces Aim for Consecutive Wins on the Road

On August 28, the WNBA regular season continues with the Wings hosting the Aces.

The Wings ended a three-game losing streak by rallying against the Sparks in their last game, but they are still struggling recently, with only a 6-21 record this season, placing them 10th in the league. The Wings average 82.7 points per game, ranking sixth in the league, but concede an average of 90.9 points, the most in the league. However, the Wings excel at rebounding, averaging 34.5 rebounds per game, ranking fourth in the league, including strong rim protection, averaging 4.3 blocks per game. However, they also have as many as 15.4 turnovers per game, ranking second in the league. Additionally, the Wings’ outside shooting is mediocre, averaging just six three-pointers made per game, one of the lowest in the league.

Compared to last season, the Wings have declined significantly, despite retaining the core lineup from last season during the off-season, with starting guard Dangerfield leaving but adding rookie number five pick Sheldon and Jelena Brown. However, judging from the team’s current performance, the Wings’ roster strength has clearly declined. Last season, the Wings entered the playoffs with a 22-18 record, sweeping the Dream 2-0 in the first round, but were swept 3-0 by the champion Aces in the semi-finals, missing out on the finals. Whether they can enter the playoffs this season remains uncertain.

The Wings have six players averaging double-digit scoring, including Ogwumike averaging 22.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, Satou Sabally averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while Sims and Howard each average 17.2 points. With Siegrist and McCowan added, the Wings have scoring security, but their biggest issue is defense.

In their last game, the Wings rallied against the Sparks at home, winning 113-110, with a 40-18 fourth quarter being the key to the comeback. Despite a poor start, the Wings seized the opportunity against the typically inconsistent Sparks. The Wings had a rebounding advantage, with Ogwumike and Howard playing exceptionally well, Ogwumike leading the team with 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Howard scored 30 points and 7 rebounds. In addition, McCowan recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Sabally added 19 points and 5 rebounds.

The Aces have also been struggling lately, but fortunately, they ended a two-game losing streak by defeating the Sky in their last game. Currently, the Aces have an 18-11 record, placing them fourth in the league. Compared to last season, the Aces’ dominance has declined significantly; last season, they topped the league with a 34-6 record in the regular season and remained strong in the playoffs, losing only one game in the Finals and winning the championship 3-1 against the Liberty.

The Aces are very strong offensively, averaging 87.3 points per game, which ranks first in the league. However, their defense has issues, conceding an average of 82.4 points per game, which is the main reason why the Aces cannot consistently stay at the top of the league. Fortunately, the Aces maintain good efficiency in three-point shooting and ball control, averaging 9.4 three-pointers per game, among the best in the league, and controlling turnovers to 11.5 per game, the fewest in the league.

We know that the Aces aim to defend their championship title, but given their current performance and form, it will be very challenging. During the off-season, the Aces retained the core lineup of champions Wilson, Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray, bringing together three number one picks. The Aces also strengthened their squad during the off-season, bringing back Kayla Stokes, Alysha Clark, Kierstan Bell, and Sydney Colson, but the effect was not significant, with the Aces showing signs of fatigue.

The Aces have only three players averaging double-digit scoring, including Wilson averaging 26.6 points and 11.9 rebounds, Plum averaging 18 points and 4.3 assists, and Jackie Young averaging 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5 assists. In their most recent game, the Aces narrowly defeated the Sky 77-75 on the road, falling behind in rebounding but maintaining good control over turnovers. Four players scored in double figures, with Wilson scoring 20 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, Plum contributing 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Gustafson adding 13 points and 4 rebounds, and Gray scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, the Aces lacked overall control and barely secured the win.

The Aces have dominated in past encounters between the teams. This season, they defeated the Wings 95-81 and 104-85 in two meetings, remaining undefeated in their last five encounters, showing a clear advantage. Although the Aces’ dominance has declined, facing the even worse performing Wings, they naturally won’t let go of the chance for consecutive wins.

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