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Ogunbowale

After scoring 27 points in Sunday’s loss to the Mystics, Ogunbowale recorded her second consecutive 20-point game. That’s something the scoring guard had not accomplished yet this season, and Arike appears to be on the right track after a slow start to the season. She’s scored at least 19 points in five of her last seven outings. More importantly, the Wings have won three of their last four games after losing 11 of 12 to begin the season. Ogunbowale and the Wings will face another challenge on Friday when they host the Fever.

Ogunbowale had an opportunity to force a second overtime on Sunday, but her three-point attempt with nine seconds remaining in overtime was long. Paige Bueckers’ ensuing effort was short, resulting in Dallas’ win streak ending at two. Ogunbowale’s offensive production has been inconsistent thus far, with the veteran guard’s efficiency being an issue far more often than she or the Wings would hope. A career 39 percent shooter, Arike is shooting a career-low 35.1 percent from the field this season. While field goal percentage is not a scoring category in standard ESPN fantasy leagues, managers certainly hope Ogunbowale can clean some things up sooner rather than later.

Between the Big East tournament during her time at UConn and Dallas’ two road victories over the Sun this season, Bueckers has yet to lose a game at Mohegan Sun Arena. The rookie led four Wings players in double figures on Friday, with that balance compensating for Arike Ogunbowale (7/2/1/1) shooting just 2-of-9 from the field. Since returning from a concussion, Bueckers has scored at least 20 points in three of four outings. And with Friday’s victory, the 3-11 Wings have won consecutive games for the first time this season. They’ll look to extend their win streak to three on Sunday when they visit the Mystics.

After totaling 16 points on 8-of-25 shooting in Dallas’ first two games of June, Ogunbowale has scored 19 points or more in three of her last four outings. The efficiency remains a concern for the veteran guard, but she did finish Tuesday’s victory with a complete stat line. In addition to the offensive output, this was Ogunbowale’s first game this season with at least one steal and one blocked shot. If that can become the norm for Arike, she’ll be an even more valuable player to have rostered in fantasy leagues.

Ogunbowale broke out of a shooting slump on Friday to nearly log her second 30-point performance of the season. The veteran guard’s strong outing came with the type of shooting efficiency that’s been an irregularity thus far — she shot over 50 percent for only the second time this season. Despite scoring only two points in the final quarter as the Aces overcame an 11-point Dallas lead, Ogunbowale ultimately finished with more than 25 points for the second time in the last three games. She seems to be getting back on track as a scorer, which the Wings will need if they hope to turn their season around.

After recording 26 points on Sunday against the Lynx, Ogunbowale narrowly escaped single digits against the Mercury on Wednesday. The veteran guard failed to make a three-pointer for the fifth time this season, adding to what’s been a career-worst season in regards to shooting percentages. Ogunbowale’s inconsistent scoring has also caused her averages to take a drastic dip, as she’s now down from 22.2 points per game last season to 15.7 points per game through her first 11 appearances this year. She has the proven skill set to turn things around quickly, but her struggles through the first quarter of the season could be a cause for concern as it relates to fantasy basketball.

Bueckers will make her return to the starting lineup after a concussion and an illness sidelined her for a four-game stretch. The first overall pick’s offensive contributions were greatly missed by the Wings, who averaged 76 points per game in her absence, which included a 65-point outing in the team’s most recent contest to extend their losing streak to five games. Whether or not Dallas’ offense hits its stride immediately, it’ll at the very least hope Bueckers’ return gets the team back in the win column. The Wings currently own the worst record in the WNBA.

At first glance, Ogunbowale had a big afternoon after totaling 16 points on 8-of-25 shooting in Dallas’ previous two games. However, Sunday’s performance was very much a tale of two halves for the high-scoring guard. After scoring 20 points and hitting six three-pointers on 6-of-13 shooting in the first half, Ogunbowale was 0-of-7 from the field after the intermission, scoring all six of her points at the foul line. Dallas’s lack of players who can set up their teammates has been exposed due to the absences of Paige Bueckers (concussion and illness) and Tyasha Harris (knee), factoring into the team’s 1-9 start. The good news for those who have Ogunbowale rostered is that field-goal percentage isn’t a scoring category in ESPN points leagues.

While Bueckers did clear concussion protocols, an illness will delay her return by at least one game. That means Maddy Siegrist will continue to start, with DiJonai Carrington and Arike Ogunbowale taking on more playmaking responsibilities.

Ogunbowale struggled to make an impact on Friday. She failed to reach double figures in scoring for the second-straight game and fourth time this season, while also going without a made three-pointer against the Sparks. Ogunbowale is going through a rough patch on offense, arguably unlike any we’ve seen from her in recent years. The Wings desperately need her scoring in order to stay competitive in games, especially while Paige Bueckers remains out (concussion). Ogunbowale will look to get back on track against the Lynx on Sunday.