The Chicago Sky secured their first victory of the 2025 WNBA season on Thursday night, defeating the Dallas Wings 97-92 at home. The game featured a standout offensive performance from Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale, who scored 37 points, keeping the contest competitive throughout. Despite Ogunbowale’s efforts, Chicago took an early lead and held on, but tensions arose around inconsistent officiating that unsettled Sky guard Dijonai Carrington.
On a physically demanding night marked by notable contact between Paige Bueckers and Courtney Vandersloot, officiating played a controversial role. Carrington, contributing 15 points amid Bueckers competing through a concussion, grew frustrated by what she perceived as erratic calls. Her dissatisfaction peaked when a conversation with the referee escalated unusually, prompting the official to summon security to intervene.
Dijonai Carrington Criticizes Referee Roy Gulbeyan for Avoiding Explanation
During and after the game, Dijonai Carrington expressed strong disappointment with referee crew chief Roy Gulbeyan’s handling of their interaction. Instead of clarifying calls on the court, Gulbeyan chose not to engage with Carrington’s inquiries, instead requesting arena security to step in. This incident quickly gained attention on social media, with many criticizing the referee’s approach.
Carrington publicly vented her frustration the following day on Twitter, stating,
“Security… , when i’m literally having a civil conversation is insane . mind you , he called the ‘sEcUrItY’ over there.”
—Dijonai Carrington, WNBA Player
Referees are typically instructed to communicate decisions clearly with players to help manage game flow and reduce misunderstandings. Many believe Gulbeyan’s decision to avoid dialogue went against this protocol, highlighting rising tensions during what was already a highly physical matchup.
Dallas Wings Face Challenges Ahead Without Paige Bueckers
The teams are set to meet again soon, this time in Dallas, but the Wings will be without Paige Bueckers, who remains sidelined due to concussion protocol. Dallas will likely rely on guard Kaila Charles to fill Bueckers’ role within an undersized lineup that heavily depends on three-guard rotations featuring Ogunbowale, Carrington, and Bueckers.
Ogunbowale’s return to form was evident in the previous contest, as she delivered a decisive shooting display, making six three-pointers out of twelve attempts and cementing her status as one of the league’s top perimeter threats. Her scoring surge has the potential to challenge the Sky’s slower backcourt once again, particularly as both teams continue to experiment with lineups early in the rebuilding phase of this WNBA season.
Ogunbowale’s Milestones and Impact on the Season
Arike Ogunbowale’s recent performance also added to her career milestones. She tied legendary Diana Taurasi as the fastest player to reach 500 career WNBA three-pointers, hitting this mark in just 198 games. Additionally, she now ranks second to Taurasi for the most career 35-point games with at least five made three-pointers, underscoring her offensive prowess.
The Sky’s veteran backcourt, known for slower foot speed, faces a significant defensive test in slowing down Ogunbowale’s shooting ability. As the 2025 season progresses, both Chicago and Dallas will be seeking to establish their strongest rotations and strategies to improve results.
Implications of the Disputed Game for Future Matchups
The officiating controversy involving Dijonai Carrington shines a light on the ongoing challenges between players and referees regarding communication and game management. How referees handle such incidents could influence player–referee relationships and impact the intensity of future games between these rebuilding teams.
Meanwhile, the upcoming rematch gives the Dallas Wings a chance to respond, especially on home court and without Bueckers. The team’s ability to adapt their defensive schemes against Ogunbowale will be a critical factor. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching both teams as they continue to refine their approaches amid this highly competitive environment.