5 things from the Dallas Wings victory against the Chicago Sky in preseason

Here are five observations from Friday night’s Wings vs. Sky exhibition

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• on May 6, 2023 7:00 pm

With the first four days of training camp in the books, the Dallas Wings played host in their first preseason game that ended in victory over the Chicago Sky, 75-70.

“I’m going to sleep better tonight, but I know we have a long way to go,” Wings’ first-year head coach Latricia Trammell said on her first win in the WNBA. “This is just one step to see how the players work together and what happens under the big lights. I appreciate [Dallas Wings President & CEO] Greg Bibb coming in and giving me the game ball, and you know the players and [I] having a special moment. Hopefully, there is more to come, but we got a lot to work on before May 20.”

Entering the fourth quarter facing a four-point deficit, 60-56, Dallas outscored Chicago 19-to-10 in the final frame powered on an 11-2 run. With less than a minute remaining in regulation, Wings’ guard Crystal Dangerfield went into overdrive, connecting on a clutch three-pointer and two free throws to boot, putting the Sky away for good.

Teaira McCowan is primed for liftoff

Wings’ star center Teaira McCowan let the world know what she was capable of after the All-Star break last season, leading starting centers in points per game (16.2) while placing second in rebounds per game. (10) and field goal percentage. She picked up right where she left off, leading all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, and totaled three blocks and two assists. Both of McCowan’s assists came as a result of passing out of double teams and locating cutting teammates. Although the box score only shows two assists, her passing led to numerous visits to the free throw line for her teammates. Of her game-leading eight rebounds, five of them were corralled on the offensive glass.

“It felt good to be back with my team, we have some new pieces, so we’re still working the kinks out,” McCowan said. “But it felt good just to be there, be in that moment and also just do what I’ve been doing the whole season overseas and just bringing it back for my teammates.”

In 23 games for Galatasaray, her overseas team in Poland, McCowan averaged nearly 19 points (18.6), and 11.6 rebounds.

Drivers drive

Out of 14 players that saw the court last night, half of them finished with at least four attempts at the free throw line. The overarching explanation is the pick and roll. No matter if it was Kalani Brown, Teaira McCowan, or Natasha Howard, the Sky couldn’t defend the action. Elizabeth Williams and Isabelle Harrison had five fouls a piece with Kahleah Copper tallying four of them herself.

Defensive intensity

From the first whistle until…