The Dallas Wings are facing a challenging period as star guard Arike Ogunbowale continues to sit out games due to a thumb injury. Having missed her second consecutive matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on July 5, 2025, Ogunbowale’s absence has deepened the Wings’ ongoing injury struggles, which threaten the team’s rising momentum this <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA season.
Arike Ogunbowale’s Injury Sidelines Key Scorer Again
Arike Ogunbowale, one of the Dallas Wings’ top scorers, suffered a thumb injury during a game against the Washington Mystics, causing her to miss her first game of the season. Her withdrawal from the most recent game against the Mercury marks the second game she has been sidelined. Head coach Chris Koclanes has expressed caution about the injury’s progression, emphasizing the need for further evaluation.
“Hurt her hand in that game there (vs. Washington). So just being extremely cautious and waiting for more news from the medical team on what that looks like long-term,”
Koclanes said.
Despite the injury, Ogunbowale has been an indispensable player for the Wings. Averaging 16.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, she remains a crucial figure on the court, although her shooting efficiency has dipped to 36.3%. Alongside her on-court contributions, she plays a vital leadership role, particularly in mentoring rookie Paige Bueckers, who has been making waves through her breakout performances this season.
Wings Grapple With Multiple Injuries Amid Promising Season Start
The Dallas Wings were building momentum with three victories in their first five games, signaling a promising campaign. However, injuries to several key players have severely tested their depth. Maddy Siegrist suffered a fractured right knee in a June clash with the Mercury, removing her from the lineup. Di Jonai Carrington has also been sidelined by a rare rib injury sustained during a charge against the Connecticut Sun. Carrington has not played since, compounding the team’s injury woes.
Ogunbowale’s thumb injury adds to this mounting pressure, threatening to derail the squad just as it was finding its rhythm. Both Ogunbowale and Carrington were absent from practice two days before the rematch against the Mercury, signaling ongoing concerns about their availability. The Wings now face the difficult task of compensating for the loss of several key players simultaneously.
Emerging Players Step Up to Fill the Void
In response to these setbacks, the Wings have demonstrated resilience by leaning on emerging talent and recent roster additions. To address gaps, Dallas signed forward Liatu King under a hardship exception for the remainder of the season. King, who was drafted 28th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2025, averaged 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 50% before her release in late June. Her arrival brings much-needed frontcourt depth to the Wings.
Additionally, Li Yueru has established herself as the team’s most dependable center since joining after her release from the Seattle Storm. In seven games, she has averaged 7.4 points and 7.0 rebounds, contributing consistently on both offense and defense. Meanwhile, Aziaha James has emerged as a scoring leader, posting several strong performances, including a 28-point, six-assist, and six-rebound game. Young players like JJ Quinerly have also capitalized on increased playing time, with Quinerly delivering 15 points and four assists in her first start followed by an even better second game with 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
The return of veterans Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan from EuroBasket has further strengthened the roster, offering physicality and experience amid the Wings’ youth-driven core. This blend of emerging and returning talent has enabled the Wings to remain competitive despite the ongoing injury crisis.
Maintaining Team Spirit and Performance Amid Adversity
Though the Wings are operating with a severely reduced roster—only eight players available at times—the team has shown remarkable determination. Their upset victory over the Phoenix Mercury on July 3, despite missing Ogunbowale, highlighted the collective effort from players like Bueckers and James, who combined for 51 points. Li Yueru also contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the depth the Wings have cultivated under challenging circumstances.
With leadership from the sidelines by head coach Chris Koclanes, the Wings have focused on fostering resilience and toughness. The team’s young players, including rookies JJ Quinerly and Paige Bueckers, have taken on increased responsibility and appear ready to carry the momentum forward during this difficult stretch.
Outlook: Can Dallas Sustain Their Fight Without Ogunbowale?
The absence of star guard Arike Ogunbowale is a significant hurdle for the Dallas Wings as they navigate this injury-laden spell. Her scoring ability and leadership have been central to the team’s early-season success, and uncertainty around the long-term impact of her thumb injury remains a concern. Nevertheless, the Wings are not waiting passively for their injured players to return. Instead, they are relying on depth, emerging talent, and a strong team spirit to sustain their competitiveness.
The next few weeks will be critical for the Wings to maintain their place in the playoff conversation while managing health challenges. How effectively rookies like Bueckers and Quinerly, alongside contributors like James and Yueru, can fill the void left by Ogunbowale and others will largely determine the team’s trajectory. The Wings’ ability to adapt to adversity will shape their season and define their collective resolve moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What nationality is Arike Ogunbowale?
A. Arike Ogunbowale, born on March 2, 1997, plays professional basketball for the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Q. How much does Arike Ogunbowale cost?
A. In 2022, Ogunbowale signed a three-year deal with the Wings worth $725,952, and the full amount is guaranteed. On average, she will earn $241,984 each year and will make this amount again in 2025, her last contract year.
Q. What ethnicity is Arike Ogunbowale?
A. She was born in Milwaukee to her parents, Yolanda Block Ogunbowale and Gregory Ogunbowale, who is originally from Nigeria.
Q. How much does Arike Ogunbowale make?
A. Arike Ogunbowale and her fiancée Lala Ronay had a touching moment before the Wings’ first game of the season. #wnba #dallaswings #basketball #sports. This content is created by AI and might occasionally provide unrelated results.