The 2025 WNBA regular season is heating up, and one of the early highlights has been the spirited Wings vs Sky WNBA matchups. In a tightly scheduled back-to-back series, the Chicago Sky emerged victorious in both encounters against the Dallas Wings, asserting early dominance and gaining crucial momentum in the standings.
The first clash took place on May 29 at the Wintrust Arena, where the Chicago Sky edged the Dallas Wings 97–92 in a hard-fought contest. Chicago’s offensive efficiency and ball movement stood out, led by Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot. Despite a strong showing from Dallas’ backcourt, the Sky managed to close the game with better execution in the final minutes.
Fast forward to May 31, the action moved to College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, where the Wings sought revenge on their home court. Unfortunately for the home fans, it was déjà vu, as the Sky once again took control of the game early and never relinquished their lead. The Sky led 69–59 early in the fourth quarter and went on to seal the game with a convincing double-digit victory, completing the mini-series sweep.
Ariel Atkins Shines Bright
In both games, Ariel Atkins proved why she’s one of the league’s premier two-way guards. She dropped a game-high 26 points in the second matchup, efficiently scoring from all levels while maintaining defensive pressure on Dallas’ perimeter threats. Her ability to create her own shot and control the tempo of the offense was instrumental in Chicago’s success.
Courtney Vandersloot also showcased her veteran leadership, contributing 15 points and 7 assists. Her floor vision and experience were crucial in breaking down the Wings’ defense and setting up teammates for high-percentage looks. With Vandersloot orchestrating the offense and Atkins providing the scoring punch, the Sky have a solid foundation to build upon.
Wings Struggle Without Bueckers
On the Dallas side, the absence of rookie sensation Paige Bueckers was heavily felt. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft has yet to suit up this season due to a minor injury but is expected to return by June 6. Her presence could have added a much-needed spark to a Wings team struggling to close out games.
Despite the losses, there were a few bright spots for Dallas. Natasha Smith led the way with 20 points, showing versatility in scoring and aggressiveness in transition. DiJonai Carrington added 16 points and 5 assists, continuing to develop as a key contributor on both ends of the court. However, their efforts weren’t enough to counter Chicago’s balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Both Teams Looking to Rebound
Following these two losses, the Dallas Wings dropped to a 1–5 record, while the Chicago Sky improved to 2–4, gaining valuable ground early in the season. For Dallas, the focus moving forward will be on tightening their defensive rotations and improving late-game execution—areas where Bueckers is expected to make a significant impact upon her return.
Chicago, on the other hand, seems to have turned a corner after a slow start. With Atkins and Vandersloot leading the charge, and contributions from the supporting cast, the Sky could be in line for a mid-season surge.
What’s Next in the Rivalry
The Wings vs Sky WNBA rivalry is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines this season. Their next matchup is scheduled for July 9, offering Dallas a chance at redemption and Chicago a shot at a clean sweep. With both teams likely healthier and more cohesive by then, fans can expect another competitive showdown.
Until then, Chicago walks away with bragging rights and valuable early-season victories that could influence playoff seeding down the line. For the Wings, the wait for Bueckers’ debut continues, but the team knows they’ll need more than just her arrival to climb out of their current slu
