Seattle Storm Silence Dallas Wings Comeback: Nneka Ogwumike Dominates, Skylar Diggins Shines!

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ARLINGTON, Texas — Monday night at the College Park Center was a rollercoaster of intensity, athleticism, and clutch performances. In just their second game of the WNBA season, the Seattle Storm (1-1) showed why they’re one of the league’s most dangerous squads when firing on all cylinders.

Behind an overpowering performance from Nneka Ogwumike, who recorded a monstrous 23 points and 19 rebounds, and Skylar Diggins, who added 21 points and 9 assists, the Storm held off a furious Dallas Wings rally to secure a 79-71 win on the road.

Although Dallas made it a nail-biter in the second half, the early shooting surge and veteran composure from Seattle proved too much to overcome. Let’s break down the key moments, star performances, and what this game revealed about both squads in the early going of the 2025 WNBA season.

🔥 Seattle Comes Out Blazing from Deep

If there’s one word to describe Seattle’s first-half offense, it’s efficient—or maybe even unstoppable. The Storm were red-hot from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 11 three-point attempts in the first half alone, a staggering 81.8% success rate from deep.

That shooting barrage, combined with smart ball movement and excellent spacing, allowed the Storm to dominate the second quarter. After a fairly even first frame (Dallas led 26-25), Seattle went on a 14-4 run, triggered by a deep Skylar Diggins 24-foot three-pointer that broke a 30-all tie with 7:28 remaining in the second quarter. From there, the Storm never looked back.

By halftime, Seattle had built a commanding 56-41 lead, with Gabby Williams knocking down a momentum-swinging 3-pointer to extend the advantage to 17. Williams finished with 17 points, showing once again her value as a two-way contributor.

💪 Nneka Ogwumike: Veteran Presence, MVP Numbers

Though the perimeter shooting grabbed early headlines, the real anchor of Seattle’s victory was Nneka Ogwumike, who dominated the paint and the glass from start to finish. The veteran forward’s 23-point, 19-rebound performance was a masterclass in leadership and efficiency. Whether boxing out, attacking the rim, or making timely defensive plays, Ogwumike was everywhere.

Her ability to control the interior limited Dallas’ second-chance points and ensured Seattle could weather the Wings’ late-game surge.

It’s clear Ogwumike still has plenty of elite basketball in her. For a team that is looking to blend experienced stars with younger talent, her presence gives Seattle a balanced identity that could carry them deep into the season.

🌪️ Skylar Diggins Returns with Authority

Back and healthy, Skylar Diggins looked like her All-Star self, leading the charge from the backcourt. Her 21 points and 9 assists weren’t just numbers—they were timely, clutch, and momentum-sustaining. Diggins consistently broke down the Wings’ defense, made crisp passes, and drained key shots when Seattle needed them most.

More importantly, she provided on-court leadership when Dallas began clawing back in the second half. It’s early in the season, but her play on Monday night showed she’s ready to take on a leadership role and help push Seattle into title contention.

🌟 Rookie Watch: Paige Bueckers Shines Despite Loss

Even in defeat, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers gave fans plenty of reasons to be excited. The former UConn superstar scored 19 points and dished out 8 assists, showcasing her high IQ, court vision, and ability to score under pressure.

Bueckers was at the center of Dallas’ third-quarter rally, showing poise beyond her years. Though her performance wasn’t enough to complete the comeback, her chemistry with teammates like NaLyssa Smith and Maddy Siegrist (12 points each) hinted at what’s possible for Dallas once this young core gels.

❌ Arike Ogunbowale’s Off Night Hurts Wings

One of the most surprising—and costly—storylines of the game was the off night from Dallas star Arike Ogunbowale. The high-scoring guard shot just 2-of-14 from the field, finishing with only 8 points.

Her struggles left a scoring void that even Bueckers’ stellar debut couldn’t completely fill. For a team that often leans heavily on Ogunbowale’s shot creation, her cold night made it tough to keep pace with Seattle’s offensive efficiency.

⚠️ Dallas’ Cold Shooting From Deep

The Wings’ overall shooting woes extended beyond Ogunbowale. As a team, Dallas went just 4-for-19 from three-point range—a stark contrast to Seattle’s hot start from deep. While the Wings outscored Seattle 30-23 in the second half, their inability to convert from long distance kept them from ever fully closing the gap.

When Teaira McCowan cut the deficit to 64-61 with 46 seconds left in the third quarter, it looked like Dallas might flip the script. But Seattle responded with defensive stops and veteran composure to preserve the lead through the fourth quarter.

🤝 Team Basketball Wins Games

One stat that cannot be overlooked is the 25 assists on 29 made baskets for the Storm. That’s an elite number at any level of basketball and a clear indication of unselfish, well-coached play. Every possession saw multiple touches, and the ball rarely stuck in one player’s hands. It’s the kind of teamwork that creates high-percentage shots—and wins games.

📉 Final Numbers Recap

• Seattle Storm: 29-70 FG (41.4%), 9-14 3PT (64.3%), 25 assists

• Dallas Wings: 71 points, 4-19 3PT (21.1%)

• Top Performers:

• Nneka Ogwumike – 23 pts, 19 reb

• Skylar Diggins – 21 pts, 9 ast

• Paige Bueckers – 19 pts, 8 ast

• Gabby Williams – 17 pts

🔮 Looking Ahead

Seattle’s bounce-back win puts them back on even ground at 1-1 and reaffirms that this team, when fully locked in, can beat anyone. With Ogwumike and Diggins leading the way and strong support from Williams, the Storm look poised to climb the standings quickly.

As for Dallas, the foundation is clearly there. Bueckers looks like a future star, and their depth is promising. But they’ll need more consistent shooting and leadership from Ogunbowale if they want to compete with the WNBA’s top-tier teams.

Bottom Line:

Seattle rode early three-point dominance and veteran star power to outlast a gritty Dallas comeback. If this is the kind of drama we’re seeing in Week 1, fans are in for a thrilling WNBA season.