Wings vs. Sun Preview: Siegrist Out, Ogwumike and Bonner – Wings’ Home Winning Streak Faces Challenges

On August 17 at 9:35 AM, the WNBA regular season continues as the Wings host the Sun. The Wings’ performance this season has been somewhat lacking, but they managed to avoid a four-game losing streak by defeating the Fever at home in their last game. Currently, with a record of 5 wins and 19 losses, they sit second-to-last in the league. The team averages 81.9 points per game, ranking fifth in the league, but allows an average of 89.7 points, making them the team that concedes the most points in the league. However, the Wings excel in rebounding, averaging 34.5 rebounds per game, placing fourth in the league. This includes good rim protection. Nevertheless, they lead the league with 165.4 turnovers per game on average. Additionally, the Wings’ three-point shooting is subpar, averaging only 5.8 three-pointers made per game, third from the bottom in the league. In terms of scoring, the Wings have five players averaging double digits in points. Among them, Ogwumike averages 22.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game; Howard averages 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists; Sims averages 17.2 points and 5.6 assists; Siegrist averages 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds; and McCowan averages 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds. Last season, the Wings entered the playoffs in fourth place with a 22-18 regular-season record. They swept the Dream 2-0 in the first round of the playoffs but were swept 3-0 by the champion Aces in the semifinals, missing out on the finals. During the offseason, the Wings retained the core lineup from last season, though starting guard Dangerfield left the team. However, they added No. 5 draft pick Sheldon and Jelena Brown. From the current performance of the team, it appears they are not performing as well as last season. In their most recent game, six Wings players scored in double figures, pulling off a surprise win despite not having an advantage in rebounds. However, their three-point shooting hit 45%, with Ogwumike scoring 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists; Sims also contributing 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists; Howard adding 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. All five starters scored in double figures, and substitute Brown also contributed 13 points, as the Wings beat the Fever with a team effort. On the other hand, the Sun’s performance this season has been very impressive. They currently hold the second-best record in the league with 18 wins and 6 losses. The Sun averages 79.8 points per game, ranking eighth in the league, but they limit opponents to just 72.9 points per game, the fewest conceded in the league. With excellent defense, the Sun remains among the top teams in the league. Throughout the season, the Sun excels at scoring through free throws, averaging 21.5 free throw attempts and making 16.3, placing them among the top in the league. However, they are not as active in rebounding, averaging 34.2 rebounds per game, which places them towards the bottom of the league. Compared to the Wings’ offense-strong defense-weak style, the Sun has a more balanced attack and defense, especially on the defensive end, which is their secret weapon. During the offseason, the Sun retained their core lineup, although Hayes’ retirement and Allen’s move to the Mercury, along with Hildeman joining the Lynx, had some impact on the team. However, the Sun brought in Jefferson from the Mercury, Mitchell and Baham from the Lynx, and Ebo from the Mystics, plus four draft picks, resulting in overall improvement for the Sun, evident in their performance. It can be seen that the Sun aims to achieve something significant this season. Last season, they finished third in the league with a 27-13 record in the regular season and advanced to the playoffs, where they defeated the Lynx 2-1 in the first round but lost 1-3 to the Liberty in the semifinals, failing to reach the finals. The Sun has five players averaging double-digit points, including Bonner averaging 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds, Jones averaging 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, Carrington averaging 12.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, Thomas averaging 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, and Harris averaging 11 points. The Sun has sufficient scoring power, and their overall performance is relatively balanced. In their last game, the Sun lost 74-82 to the top-ranked Liberty on the road. In this game, the Sun’s three-point shooting and free throw performance was lacking, hitting only 11.1% from beyond the arc and 72.7% from the free-throw line. Facing a Liberty team ignited by Ionescu, the Sun lacked key players in critical moments. Ionescu scored 30 points alone, while the Sun had four players scoring in double figures, but none reached 20 points. Jones scored 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Thomas added 16 points and 8 rebounds. The two teams have met twice this season, with the Sun winning both games, showing a clear advantage. It is understood that Siegrist will be absent for the Wings in tomorrow’s game. Given the current form and strength of the two teams, it will be challenging for the Wings to pull off another upset.

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