One other day, one other stunning outcome within the 2022 WNBA playoffs. On Sunday, the sixth-seeded Dallas Wings upset the third-seeded Connecticut Solar in Sport 2, successful 89-79 to even the sequence at 1-1 and pressure a winner-take-all Sport 3 again in Dallas on Wednesday. This was the Wings’ first playoff win since 2009, when the franchise was nonetheless the Detroit Shock. 

The Wings jumped out to a 7-0 lead, and led by 15 on the finish of the primary quarter. By early within the fourth quarter they’d pushed the benefit as much as 31 factors, and that appeared like it will be the tip of the drama. Then, the Solar went on a livid 22-2 run in the course of the fourth to place a slight scare into the Wings. It was a traditional case of too little, too late, nevertheless, because the Wings held on for the season-saving win. 

This was a complete workforce effort from the Wings, as they dominated in each aspect and in addition performed with extra power and depth on each ends of the ground. Kayla Thornton (20 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists), Allisha Grey (15 factors, 5 rebounds, eight assists and three steals) and Teaira McCowan (17 factors and 11 rebounds) all had standout performances. 

Reigning MVP Jonquel Jones led the Solar with 20 factors and 9 rebounds on 6 of 12 capturing from the sector, whereas Brionna Jones and Dijonai Carrington mixed for 33 factors off the bench. The late surge within the fourth quarter will make the numbers and closing deficit look respectable, however this was one of many worst performances of the season for the Solar. 

Listed here are some key takeaways from the sport:

Wings finish playoff drought

If you take their complete historical past into consideration, the Wings are one of many oldest and most profitable franchises within the WNBA. Nevertheless, the whole thing of their accomplishments got here through the 12 seasons once they have been the Detroit Shock. From 2003-09, they went to the playoffs yearly, successful three titles and dropping within the Finals on one other event. 

After 2009, nevertheless, issues started to crumble. The workforce was relocated to Oklahoma and have become the Tulsa Shock. They gained simply 18 video games of their first three seasons in Tulsa, and made the playoffs simply as soon as within the Tulsa tenure, the place they have been swept by the Phoenix Mercury in 2015. 

That forgettable period got here to an finish the subsequent 12 months, because the workforce moved as soon as once more. This time, to Texas, the place they did a whole rebrand and have become the Dallas Wings. Although barely extra aggressive than the Tulsa iteration, there hadn’t been a lot success in Dallas till just lately. They misplaced within the then-single-elimination first spherical in 2017, 2018 and 2021, and whereas they did make the playoffs these seasons, they have been underneath .500 every time. 

Whereas they did end .500 this season and earn the No. 6 seed, their 25-point loss in Sport 1 appeared to point that it was going to be the identical previous story within the playoffs. As an alternative, they got here out on fireplace on Sunday and have damaged their 13-year playoff drought. This was their first playoff win since 2009, and the primary time they’ve gained an elimination recreation since 2008. 

Thornton delivers close to profession evening

Kayla Thornton is among the league’s extra underrated gamers, however her worth principally comes from her protection and flexibility, not scoring. In Sport 2, nevertheless, Thornton put collectively top-of-the-line offensive video games of her profession to assist the Wings get a season-saving win.

Over a three-minute span within the first quarter, Thornton knocked down three straight 3-pointers to get the Wings out to an early double-digit lead. Neither she nor the Wings ever appeared again. Thornton completed with 20 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists on 8-of-12 capturing from the sector. This was a brand new playoff career-high for Thornton and only one level shy of matching her career-high of 21 factors. Her 4 3s have been additionally tied for a profession excessive. 

There was a quick damage scare within the second half when Thornton took a blow to the face and wanted to be checked out by the Wings’ medical workers on the bench. Fortunately, she was capable of return to the sport and needs to be wonderful for Sport 3, when the Wings will hope for an additional large evening from her. In the event that they get one, they are going to have a a lot better likelihood of wining. 

Within the common season, they have been 9-3 when Thornton reached double figures and 9-15 when she didn’t. Nevertheless, she solely scored in double figures in consecutive video games on three events. 

Can Wings benefit from format?

Previous to the season, the league debuted a brand new playoff format that was usually applauded as a result of it eradicated byes and single-elimination rounds in favor of an ordinary bracket. The brand new association just isn’t good, nevertheless. 

Most notably, there have been numerous complaints in regards to the best-of-three first spherical arrange being 2-1, that means the higher-seeded workforce hosts Video games 1 and a couple of, whereas the lower-seeded workforce hosts Sport 3, if vital. By successful Sport 2, and tying the sequence at 1-1, the Wings will now get to return house for a winner-take-all Sport 3 regardless of having gained seven fewer video games within the common season than the Solar. 

In fact, the Wings should win to truly benefit from the format. Whereas house court docket clearly issues within the postseason, it is value noting that within the common season the Wings have been 8-10 at house, and have been considered one of simply two playoff groups with a sub-.500 document at house. The Solar, alternatively, went 12-6 on the highway this season, which was second solely to the Las Vegas Aces for the most effective highway document within the league.