Arike Ogunbowale made her first appearance since a left thumb injury during the Dallas Wings’ game against the Indiana Fever on Sunday, but her return was marred by a difficult shooting night. Despite the Wings’ hopes, Ogunbowale went 0-for-10 from the field, including several missed shots close to the basket, signaling persistent trouble with her shooting accuracy. The unexpected performance immediately caught the attention of WNBA fans and analysts who had anticipated a stronger comeback.
Ogunbowale’s shooting difficulties came amid intense defensive pressure from Indiana’s players, including Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, and Caitlin Clark. Even when open, the Wings’ star was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, highlighting the rust from just over two weeks away from the court. Fans closely observed her decline compared to her previous seasons and drew comparisons to other players experiencing shooting slumps.
Statistical Decline Adds to Fan Concerns
Last season, Ogunbowale maintained a 38.3% shooting percentage with 34.6% accuracy from three-point range. However, this season’s numbers have dropped to 36.3% overall shooting and 30.4% from beyond the arc, fueling worries about her current form. Observers compared her struggles to Angel Reese’s difficulties with mid-range shots last year, emphasizing a noticeable dip in efficiency that complicates the Wings’ offensive dynamics.
In addition to Ogunbowale’s challenges, the Wings have been hampered by the absence of key players like DiJonai Carrington, Maddy Siegrist, and Tyasha Harris due to injuries, further pressuring the team’s scoring options. While Carrington and Siegrist are expected back soon, Harris will miss the rest of the season. The Wings are counting heavily on Ogunbowale to regain her All-Star form to help fill the offensive void.
Paige Bueckers and Coach Chris Koclanes Encourage Ogunbowale
Following the game, Dallas Wings coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged Ogunbowale’s shooting difficulties, attributing them to the necessary recovery time from her injury and expressing hope she would find her rhythm soon. Rookie Paige Bueckers also weighed in with strong support for her teammate, highlighting Ogunbowale’s mental resilience despite the scoreless night.
“This is the best that she’s responded to things. It might not have been her night shooting the ball, it didn’t take her out of the game.” —Paige Bueckers
Bueckers, along with fellow rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James, contributed significantly despite the team’s overall struggles, combining for 45 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds to keep the game competitive for as long as possible. However, Indiana’s potent offense and tight defense eventually overwhelmed the Wings, underscoring the challenges remaining for Dallas.
What Lies Ahead for Ogunbowale and the Dallas Wings
Ogunbowale’s shooting slump highlights the difficulties faced by athletes returning from injury, especially when key teammates are sidelined. For the Dallas Wings, restoring Ogunbowale to top form is critical for their offensive success as they navigate a depleted roster. The gradual return of injured players like Carrington and Siegrist may provide some relief, but Ogunbowale’s recovery will be a focal point for the team’s prospects moving forward.
The Wings and their fans remain hopeful that Ogunbowale’s shooting struggles are temporary and that her return to the court will soon translate into the scoring prowess that made her a four-time All-Star and franchise cornerstone. How quickly she can regain her confidence and accuracy will likely influence the Wings’ competitiveness for the rest of the WNBA season.