The Dallas Wings endured another disappointing defeat on May 31, 2025, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, as they fell 88–84 against the Las Vegas Aces despite holding a sizable lead. The game appeared to signal a return to form for the Wings, especially with star player Paige Bueckers active, and rookie sensation DiJonai Carrington showing flashes of brilliance. However, a late-game collapse sparked a growing wave of criticism directed primarily at Carrington, who has become the focus of intense fan frustration in light of the Wings’ ongoing struggles.

Breakdown of the Game’s Turning Points and Missed Opportunities

The Wings, who started the season with an unprecedented 1-11 record, looked poised for a breakthrough after building a 13-point lead early in the third quarter. Key plays by Bueckers, Carrington, and Geiselsöder helped extend the lead to 82–71 with under four minutes remaining. Despite this promising position, the team unraveled quickly as the Aces mounted a furious 17–2 run to close the game, capitalizing on Dallas’ mistakes and defensive lapses.

Notably, A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ star player, was absent from the game, underscoring the Wings’ missed opportunity to secure a win. Dallas’ inability to finish effectively, especially in crunch time, was illustrated by turnovers from Bueckers and critical errors from Arike Ogunbowale. Yet, it was Carrington’s late-game decisions and performance that drew the harshest scrutiny from fans and commentators, intensifying criticism despite impressive moments earlier in the contest.

Fan Reaction Targets DiJonai Carrington as Primary Cause for Loss

The fan response following the game quickly zeroed in on Carrington, blaming her for the Wings’ collapse. One fan bluntly stated,

“Dijonai Carrington wtf, this loss is on her,”

pointing particularly to a controversial foul she committed late in the game, which many argued should have been ruled a jump ball. This foul granted Jackie Young free throws, cutting Dallas’s lead to one and shifting momentum away from the Wings.

Additional harsh remarks surfaced online with comments such as,

“A team led by Dijonai Thug Carrington never wins a game,”

highlighting the growing disdain for her aggressive and sometimes erratic style of play. Fans revisited earlier incidents this season where Carrington’s conduct was questioned, including pulling Sarah Ashlee Baker’s hair and using an aggressive arm on Skylar Diggins, incidents that failed to sit well with spectators and even drew criticism from fellow players like Sonia Citron on X, who said she “cannot defend her anymore.”

One particularly pointed criticism focused on Carrington’s decision-making in the final moments. A user described her performance as a

“panicky/indecisive turnover on the Wings’ potential game-tying possession,”

and argued the ball should have been given to Bueckers instead of forcing a pass to Ogunbowale through heavy defensive pressure, calling it a “boneheaded choke.”

Statistical Overview Highlights Carrington’s Flawed Impact

Though Carrington put up moderate scoring numbers—fifteen points and 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range—her overall stat line revealed reasons for concern, with four turnovers and six personal fouls over 35 minutes, including a record number of fouls in the fourth quarter. One fan pointed out,

“Dijonai Carrington must have set some kind of record—six fouls in the fourth quarter.”

Such aggressive but uncontrolled play was viewed as a significant factor in the Wings’ late-game breakdown and the loss of momentum they had worked to build.

Some fans went so far as to suggest Carrington’s errors played into the hands of the opposing team, with harsh accusations implying she was “probably playing for the Aces.” Despite these harsh views, broader issues plagued Dallas, including defensive failures and an inability to contain their fouling tendencies.

Defensive Shortcomings and Missed Chances Compound Team’s Struggles

The Wings’ defensive performance was a major contributor to the final outcome. While their offense shot efficiently—47.1% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc—the defense faltered badly. Dallas committed 20 personal fouls compared to just 12 by Las Vegas, resulting in the Aces being given numerous opportunities from the free-throw line. The Wings’ inability to defend effectively without resorting to fouls ultimately undermined their offensive efforts.

Despite the pressure on Carrington, some fans acknowledged these systemic failings, with one remarking that the “Dallas Wings defense is terrible,” pointing to the deeper challenges facing the team beyond individual performance.

Mounting Pressure on Carrington Amid Growing Fan Discontent

The ongoing collapse this season, culminating in the Wings’ seventh consecutive loss, has intensified the spotlight on DiJonai Carrington. While her elevated role brings increased expectations, her aggressive style has sparked controversy and alienated parts of the fanbase. What fans seem to demand most is improvement in results, particularly wins, in exchange for Carrington’s intensified minutes and responsibilities.

With the Wings struggling to establish a winning identity and close out games, the fate of the team—and Carrington’s standing among supporters—appears increasingly intertwined. How Dallas addresses these challenges will be critical as they seek to reverse course and emerge from their worst start ever.