Swish Appeal: All Posts by Mackenzie FriedmanBasketball is basketball.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49391/swish-fave.png2017-08-11T02:08:14-04:00https://www.swishappeal.com/authors/mackenzie-friedman/rss2017-08-11T02:08:14-04:002017-08-11T02:08:14-04:00Stars were out in full force
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N7SAmjEDdeTsiGmdXGIwfuipars=/0x0:3456x2304/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56148351/Johnson_by_Layne_Murdoch.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Layne Murdoch — NBAE/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>WNBA veterans Monique Currie and Glory Johnson put on a show Thursday night. ABC’s The Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay was in the building enjoying her very first Dallas Wings game and she picked a great one to attend with her fiancé Bryan.</em></p> <p id="t1Hd77"><strong>Arlington, TX —</strong> The Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury both came from different places, yet sat in a similar spot. The Wings came in hot on a two-game win streak after beating Seattle and Los Angeles. The Mercury found themselves on a two-game losing streak, losing by a combined six points total. However, both teams sat with 13 wins eager to climb their way up in the playoff race.</p>
<p id="qi9L9j">The stars on the court weren’t the only stars in attendance at College Park Center on Thursday night. ABC’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/the-bachelorette">The Bachelorette</a> star Rachel Lindsay, and new fiancé Bryan, made their first public appearance since the finale on Monday in Linsday’s hometown of Dallas. After a whirlwind few days in Los Angeles and New York, Lindsay was excited to show off Dallas to her new fiancé, and take in a Wings game. </p>
<p id="XTwDdA">“We’re happy to be here representing Dallas, representing the Wings, and hopefully be at more games,” said Lindsay. </p>
<div id="bemOA1">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXogZ5rg7ZA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Bachelorette @therachlindsay and fiancé @thebryanabasolo make their first public outing in hometown Dallas at the Wings vs. Mercury game instalike #instagood #summer #fun #instacool #wnba #dallas #l4l #swag #swishappeal #bachelorette #rachellindsay</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Swish Appeal (@swishappeal) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-08-11T00:11:05+00:00">Aug 10, 2017 at 5:11pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="OoRxT3">As for the stars on the court — Glory Johnson continued to do what Glory Johnson has been doing all season. As part of the youngest team in the WNBA, Johnson’s leadership has been essential, and has been a major impact. In the Wings’ last two games, she’s averaged a formidable double-double for 17 points and 14 rebounds.</p>
<p id="8JvTUB">In the first quarter alone, she had already tallied nine points and grabbed four rebounds. Johnson ended the first half with 16 points, only one point shy of her season high at the half, and eight rebounds. Her efforts helped Dallas hang onto a 54-49 lead at intermission. </p>
<p id="CP0Jd5">As if the playoff push wasn't a big enough incentive to perform for Johnson, she had a little extra motivation in the stands — perhaps the littlest stars of the day — her twins. This was the first time her twins have been to a game to watch her play, and she delivered stats-wise, unfortunately, her team fell short of the victory. </p>
<p id="KmeLYR">Where Johnson has stepped up in the midst of the Wings youth, the Mercury have faced their own challenges this season. Diana Taurasi is one of the only returning players on Phoenix from last year playing on Thursday — and tonight, most of the action happened without her on the court, until the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="3pF7QE">Newly acquired veteran Monique Currie led the way for the Mercury. Before losing Brittney Griner to injury, Currie averaged only six points per game. She finished the first half alone with 15 points and finished the game with 29 total — only two points shy of her career-high.</p>
<p id="3HzOtW">“The bigs were setting really good screens, and I was able to get open,” said Currie “Had some good looks and knocked them down, so, you know, once you start hitting early, the basket gets bigger and bigger and bigger. So, being aggressive is something that [Coach] Sandy [Brondello] has been on me about on the offensive end.</p>
<p id="YUgjHo">I’m just seeking out my shot, being aggressive, and I was able to knock down some shots today.”</p>
<p id="14y5AW">Regardless of the challenges, each team has faced — whether adjusting to youth or a whole new team — what do Johnson and Currie both have in common? Veteran leadership. </p>
<p id="pjy1mI">Currie has been in the league since 2006, while Johnson entered the league in 2012. </p>
<p id="t6kBXL">However, on a team, like Dallas, that has all five draft picks from this year on the roster, a five-year vet serves the same purpose as an 11-year vet. Both Johnson and Currie have found their roles on their respective teams, and they both succeeded in those roles tonight. </p>
<p id="908pLo">In typical “Glory Johnson” fashion, her and-1 layup with 14.4 seconds left tied the game at 90, and the game would head to overtime that way. Though Dallas ended up on the losing end 101-100, Johnson’s 25 points and 15 rebounds earned her her 11th double-double of the season, and her third consecutive.</p>
<p id="AFab6l">But as team sports go, Johnson wasn’t worried about her personal accomplishments as much as she wanted to win.</p>
<p id="ToWq2N">“We really wanted this game,” said Johnson. “We (did) what we could do. Mo (Monique Currie) wasn't missing any shots. But at the end of the day, I tell my team to keep on going. We’ve got the next one.”</p>
<p id="Yys2l6">Wings head coach Fred Williams is also focused on the next game.</p>
<p id="yEhgGQ">“Our mindset is still to take one game at a time and position ourselves for that playoff push,” he said. “I thought both teams played a championship game tonight.”</p>
<p id="Z4jsOn">As for what’s next — Dallas heads to Connecticut to take on the Sun who’s currently in third in the playoff race. Phoenix heads home to host Seattle who is sitting in 10th. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2017/8/11/16129998/bachelorette-rachel-lindsay-dallas-wnba-thrillerMackenzie Friedman2017-06-21T16:26:24-04:002017-06-21T16:26:24-04:00Slow to take off, but Wings take flight!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_U-4SlZUMZ4AmadbwuoAFaJhKqk=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55376827/GettyImages_699385766.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman - NBAE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>After taking the lead for the first time all game with 1:27 left, the Wings held on to take a heartbreaker from the winless Stars, 81-78. Monique Currie’s 29 points for San Antonio led the way but it wasn't enough. </em></p> <p id="rblrZI"><strong>Arlington, TX </strong><strong>—</strong> Starting another game slow continued for the Dallas Wings who just can’t seem to get things going early on. The Wings were down by 10 at half in their win against Washington on Sunday and down by seven at half against Minnesota on June 11. </p>
<p id="ocldQY">Today, a Wings team, who was looking to string together consecutive wins for the first time this season, found themselves down at the half, yet again, to an 0-11 San Antonio Stars team. </p>
<p id="guu1mq">The Stars scored first and never relinquished their lead the entire first half. Though the Wings tried to keep it close, they shot only 32.3% from the field and had several defensive miscues. </p>
<p id="BQmWxT">“I thought they definitely popped us in the mouth in the first quarter,” said Dallas guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. </p>
<p id="2eYClo">“We understand that we need to be a better first quarter team and not play with a sense of urgency only when we get down. That is something we have to improve on.”</p>
<p id="6JaPX4">However, their continued success at the free throw line kept the game from becoming out of reach. After some clutch free throws by Diggins-Smith led to a victory against Washington on Sunday, Dallas was 16-18 from the line in the first two periods today. </p>
<p id="EJk9yh">Despite their woes, the Wings only trailed by five. </p>
<p id="O4kk6H">After their slow start, an inspired Dallas team took the court in the second half. The Wings scored the first five points of the half to even the score for the first time all game. Dallas couldn’t muster up a 33-13 run in the 4th quarter like they did the last time they played San Antonio, but they did take the lead for the <em>first time all game</em> with only 1:27 left. </p>
<p id="lI7MoP">It came down to the wire, which is typical of this Dallas team, but they were able to hold on to steal an absolute heartbreaker from the still-winless Stars. </p>
<p id="6UBOZc">San Antonio Coach Vickie Anderson was pleased with the Stars performance, but felt they just couldn’t finish. </p>
<p id="Vz0yH7">“Overall, we did well,” she said.</p>
<p id="mWgvKh">“I just felt like we didn’t finish the game. I think we played well for 37 minutes — the last three, we got nervous as far as winning the basketball game. We played not to lose instead of playing to win. I think that really hurt us.”</p>
<p id="Py09bL">The Wings have now strung together two consecutive wins for the first time this season, which is imperative in digging themselves out of their losing record. </p>
<p id="ImROGK">It’s now Dallas’ turn to head to San Antonio to take on the Stars again on Friday. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and if the Wings can continue to grind out these wins, they are headed in the right direction.</p>
<p id="9LugCD">“I thought we just had to grind it out and play hard defensively,” said Wings Head Coach Fred Williams. </p>
<p id="a2VDmb">“I thought San Antonio played a great game... We just had to bear down. We kept ourselves in it and were able to hit big shots when we needed it.” </p>
<p id="PhiF6t">Maybe this is a team that plays better with their backs against the wall. With veterans like Diggins-Smith and Glory Johnson leading the way, sometimes the will to win is as important as the skill to win — and when you have both, which they do, good things can happen. </p>
<p id="xJp741">This team has grit, and with the toughest stretch of their schedule beginning on Sunday they are going to need it. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2017/6/21/15847004/stagnant-starts-dallas-wings-wnbaMackenzie Friedman2016-09-29T02:30:03-04:002016-09-29T02:30:03-04:00Sparks’ duo puts in work
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e_kGg8vUaJXO_ydn63IpvEQ8LXY=/1280x57:3531x1558/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51101455/GettyImages-544422876.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Juan Ocampo - NBAE/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chicago is coming off of a hot game against the Atlanta Dream, whereas Wednesday night’s game was Los Angeles’ first game back on the hardwood since Sept. 16. There was no let up for the Sparks, in fact they looked almost like they did at the beginning of the year thanks to the play of MVP Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker. </p> <p id="rY7vOJ"><strong>Los Angeles, CA —</strong> Two of the league's best met up for Game 1 of a best-of-five series for the chance to compete for the title. One of the Los Angeles Sparks biggest stars got a title of her own – Nneka Ogwumike was named league MVP this week and tonight she received her trophy. But I’m sure if you asked her, that title is great, but the one she is after is bigger than just herself. </p>
<p id="k84g1g">“There has been a lot of love the past few days,” said Ogwmike. “In the end it is not about myself. I certainly did do it by myself. We know what we want to do and I’m sure everyone saw that tonight.” </p>
<p id="CMbFTM">Ogwumike was not the only star on display tonight. Jantel Lavender also earned herself a Sixth Woman of the Year Award this week, showing just how much of a team effort the Sparks’ success has been this year. On the other hand for their opponent, Elena Delle Donne was still out after having surgery, allowing for other members of the Sky to step up into the limelight. </p>
<p id="2qYulm">This is where stars are born – or in this case, where the stars shone the brightest.</p>
<p id="FCfjwU">Cappie Pondexter got the Sky off to a hot start, while the Sparks suffered a few early turnovers – a problem that they have continued to have since the Olympic break. Chicago forced seven Los Angeles turnovers, but were unable to capitalize on all of them. Early fouls on both ends sent Imani Boyette to the bench early and put Candace Parker on alert. </p>
<p id="3Ysu3Z">However, the Sparks weren’t contained for long. After a timeout, they came out swinging. Ogwumike and Parker led the charge. But the Sky immediately responded, as Chicago finished the first quarter on a 6-0 run to keep the score within two with Parker and Pondexter lighting the path with eight points each for their respective teams. </p>
<p id="2GtgqX">After struggling early, the Sparks pair of MVPs decided enough was enough. Parker, a two-time league MVP herself, led both teams with 19 first-half points. Ogwumike was close behind with 13 of her own. And for tonight, it was the two of them together that steamed the engine that led Los Angeles. </p>
<p id="GO103x">Four-and-a-half years of chemistry was on display tonight. Two players with high basketball IQs, a desire to win, and unmatched skill know how to make something that should look hard, look really, really easy. </p>
<p id="KDBrLD">“My chemistry with Candace… there’s so much to learn from her,” said Ogwumike. “We understand each other’s game and we’re always showing each other what we can do on the court.”</p>
<p id="3b4UXo"> Los Angeles pulled away in the second quarter finishing the first half 52-35 which left Chicago wishing they had their own MVP on the court tonight. </p>
<p id="oQHua2">Ogwumike put some of her defensive skills that she was most proud of in winning her MVP award on display in the third quarter when she went coast to coast finishing off a steal with a layup. But her offense was the story of the third. </p>
<p id="GDHwN7">Twenty-five points each for Parker and Ogumike – that’s ¾ of their team’s total points in the first three-quarters of the game. Now that is some serious star power. </p>
<p id="LE2pfl">“Nneka and Candace were playing at a really high level,” said Head Coach Brian Agler. “And you can see that they had good chemistry. They are both excellent passers and they found each other really well.”</p>
<p id="DwCxkN">The Sparks looked to hold onto a 75-61 lead with one-quarter to go.</p>
<p id="lvbrZ8">After shaking off the rust from their 12-day break, it felt as if Los Angeles was in control from there on out. Kristi Toliver took over for the Sparks in the fourth. Parker finished with 30 points and one rebound shy of a double-double while Ogwumike finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds and a double-double of her own.</p>
<p id="r8hOkv">Los Angeles beat Chicago 95-75 to take game one of the series. </p>
<p id="21lXJA">The stars for the Sparks were the brightest lights in this game, without question -- that’s what the playoffs are about. They have a way of making the cream of the crop rise to the top, but they also have a way of bringing out new stars. That’s what the Sky need. </p>
<p id="zwlKTY">It’s not over for Chicago – not even close. That’s the beauty of a best-of-five series, and the fact that this was only game one. It will be no easy task to contain two of the league's best in Parker and Ogwumike, but without Delle Donne, the Sky need to dull the Sparks fire and find one of their own. </p>
<p id="1oe1I8">Will the stars keep shining for the Sparks throughout the series, or will a new star be born? If there was any doubt who the league MVP should have been before this game, there isn’t now. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/9/29/13102990/parker-ogwumike-wnba-best-frontcourtMackenzie Friedman2016-09-16T00:49:47-04:002016-09-16T00:49:47-04:00Making the cut
<figure>
<img alt="Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WPbseF7-gAqN9rXNAZkQzOFClE8=/29x135:319x328/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50872645/BG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Poss - Swish Appeal</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As the regular season is winding down, a key focus for all playoff bound teams is to find their teams’ momentum and carry it over into the post season. Tonight, the Mercury found theirs, as they shared the ball extremely well and ended the red hot Seattle Storm’s winning streak.</p> <p id="eux2zq"><strong>Phoenix, AZ —</strong> The Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm are both playoff bound – but they’re heading into the playoffs on two different notes. </p>
<p id="maecMm">Since the Olympic break, the Storm have had the best record in the league at 6-2 heading into tonight’s game. On the other hand, the Mercury have struggled, losing their last four of five, and are in search of momentum if they want to make a run in the playoffs. </p>
<p id="sh9fhY">Momentum is exactly what they had in the first quarter. After starting 0-4, they took an early lead that would only get bigger. Brittney Griner and Penny Taylor, who played in her last regular season home game for the Mercury, both led Phoenix with six points in the quarter leading them to a 28-12 lead. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis led the Storm with six points as well, but as a whole, they struggled to get anything going in the first quarter.</p>
<p id="HsRWT6">Griner became the first to reach double figures, thanks to some good rebounding and assists on behalf of her and her teammates. Seattle came in as the top assist team since the break, but it was the unselfish play of Phoenix that dazzled in the first half. </p>
<p id="jWmm6R">Seattle made a few runs, but their hole was deep. With 10 seconds left in the half, Diana Taurasi sunk a three to bring Phoenix’s lead to 24, their biggest lead of the game to that point. However, it was then Alysha Clark’s turn, who threw up a desperation three with 0.5 seconds left in the half that went in. </p>
<p id="oKTXNL">The Mercury took a 50-29 lead into the half and had eight different players get on the board in the half. They shot 57% from the field, while the Storm struggled shooting only 33%. </p>
<p id="HQTQsg">After winning their first quarter of the night 21-17, the Storm kept their efforts high, but Phoenix maintained a healthy double-digit lead throughout the first three-quarters. The stars sure showed up for this one, though. </p>
<p id="IO8WWb">Heading into the fourth, Griner led the Mercury with 21 points and four rebounds while Breanna Stewart led the Storm with 14 points and nine rebounds. However, Jewell Lloyd, the Storm’s second-leading scorer who scored over 30 points in the teams’ first two matchups, was held to only eight points through the first three-quarters. </p>
<p id="1h9nv0">With a little over four minutes left in the final quarter, most of the starters headed to the bench. With both teams making the playoffs, both coaches wanted to give players a rest while not hurting their team chemistry – a key component to success in this league. </p>
<p id="N7lEQ3">“All these games are big,” said Storm Head Coach, Jenny Boucek. </p>
<p id="KhvNhS">“It’s all about habits, it’s all about mentality, it’s all about momentum. We really let one go tonight. It’s not about the win or the loss, it’s about how we need to play to have success in this league.”</p>
<p id="g2JB2Q">With three minutes left, Taylor left the floor for the final time in a regular-season home game as chants of “Penny” filled Talking Stick Resort Arena. Taylor is currently third in franchise history in points, second in steals, second in assists, second in three-point field goals, second in games started, and fourth in rebounds. She will be missed.</p>
<p id="XL3vqI">“Penny in my mind is one of the more underrated players,” said Storm guard Sue Bird. </p>
<p id="TTpPwe">“It’s sad in some ways to have a player of her caliber retire, but for her, I know she’s excited about the next chapter of her life.”</p>
<p id="Xm8GZk">Taylor’s teammate Mistie Bass also had high words of praise for the retiring forward, “Penny is one of those consistent, level headed people. She’s never too high on the ups and never too low on the downs. She’s always very positive yet humble… She’s a joy to be around. She always gives 100 percent… She’s just been a great teammate.”</p>
<p id="l6shRq">The Mercury took the lead early -- and never let it go. They beat the Storm in their final home game of the season 86-62. Seattle finished with four players in double digits, while Phoenix finished with three – though their ball distribution helped nine different players see scoring action in the game. </p>
<p id="xr06QF">Griner and Stewart finished as their team’s leading scorers as the Storm head home to take on the Sky in their final regular season game, while the Mercury head to San Antonio to take on the Stars. Both games will be held on Sunday, as the regular season wraps up and all focus will turn to the playoffs. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/9/16/12925624/phoenix-claims-last-playoff-spotMackenzie Friedman2016-09-03T01:52:18-04:002016-09-03T01:52:18-04:00What happened to Dallas?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RS8dA76gVx8ivLuGDI52f5oo7HY=/0x47:227x198/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50650663/simsphillips.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Layne Murdoch - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Los Angeles Sparks won another tight game, as they fight to get back to the way they were playing when the season started - crisp on both sides of the ball. As for the Dallas Wings, they were in desperate need of a win.</p> <p id="yZt16g"><strong>Arlington, TX —</strong> It has been a tale of two very different seasons for the Dallas Wings and the Los Angeles Sparks. It’s the Wings first season in a new city as they are still trying to find their chemistry and fight for a win in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. The Sparks have a lot of history in their city, a lot of experience playing together, and they happen to have the best record in the league. </p>
<p id="Z3wS6N">If Dallas wanted to snap their losing streak against the best team in the league, tonight was a night they could not afford to start slow – and they didn’t. </p>
<p id="GJtb3o">“I thought we put some pressure on LA early,” said Wings Head Coach Fred Williams. “I thought their size and inside game, especially in the second half, gave us some difficulty.”</p>
<p id="Khj1Pl">After back-and-forth action for the first few minutes, the Wings took over. Aerial Powers come off the bench and grabbed two and-ones to help lead Dallas to a 23-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. </p>
<p id="sY1QKt">Nneka Ogwumike was big for Los Angeles in the quarter, but turnovers and missed shots contributed to their slow first quarter. On the other hand, rebounding – much thanks to Glory Johnson who finished with her 7th double-double (16 points, 15 rebounds) of the season – and good ball distribution were keys for the Wings who had five different players get on the board in the quarter.</p>
<p id="vJMbfD">The challenge for Dallas came in holding onto their lead. During a previous match-up with Los Angeles this season, the Wings blew a 22-point lead, which marked the biggest comeback victory of the season for the Sparks. </p>
<p id="KrJxYi">It took less than four minutes into the second quarter for Los Angeles to tie the game at 25. They then proceeded to take the lead right back from Dallas thanks to a rainstorm of three-pointers to start the quarter. </p>
<p id="CDNdY8">Fast-break points helped extend the lead for Los Angeles, which forced the Wings to call a timeout. Powers continued to lead the Wings off the bench for the second straight quarter, but the Sparks always answered at the other end.</p>
<p id="1cmuuP">Los Angeles took a 43-41 lead into the locker room at halftime, as Dallas kept it very much within reach. </p>
<p id="oYrg1t">It was all Odyssey Sims to start the second half for the Wings while the Sparks found themselves in a bit of foul trouble. The back-and-forth quarter ended in a 62-62 tie. The game was tied four times and had four lead changed in the third alone. </p>
<p id="31AGAH">Kristi Toliver carried Los Angeles with 13 in the third, while Sims finished the quarter with 12. </p>
<p id="Qtigxv">Frustrations boiled over in the fourth as Candace Parker was issued a technical foul on the Sparks bench, and after several controversial and reviewed calls, the intensity picked up immensely in what remained an incredibly close game. </p>
<p id="el7LkZ">“I thought that we hung in there and battled hard,” said Sparks Head Coach Brian Agler. </p>
<p id="5IdjYt">“They’re a team that likes to take things to the basket offensively. They like to get a lot of offensive rebounds, so they’re going to be very aggressive, but I thought we did a pretty good job.”</p>
<p id="FkjtEB">Los Angeles had a six-point lead with a little over two minutes to go – their largest lead since the first half. The Wings stayed in it, but the Sparks would not falter. </p>
<p id="Raoay8">“The last few games haven’t really distinguished what Sparks basketball is all about,” said Ogwumike. “And tonight we were able to get the ball inside and play inside out, and that causes people to be open.”</p>
<p id="HGJX7h">The Sparks took the game 87-79. Ogwumike and Toliver led the way with 28 and 24 points respectively, while Sims put up 26 to lead Dallas.</p>
<p id="dmJulM">As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the Wings look to find winning ways again on Sunday at home against the Washington Mystics, while Los Angeles wrapped up their sweep of Texas and heads back home to face the Indiana Fever.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/9/3/12780020/dallas-meltdown-10th-consecutive-lossMackenzie Friedman2016-08-20T23:00:03-04:002016-08-20T23:00:03-04:00Champions of the world!
<figure>
<img alt="Basketball - Olympics: Day 15" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VNfJWgcAPAF9zgNDoWqinwKY-ck=/0x0:4213x2809/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50466105/592329960.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After beating Spain in the Olympic championship, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi have become four time Olympic gold medalist champions.</p> <p id="bsCt9T"><strong>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — </strong>It couldn’t have been a more perfect ending to what we know will be Tamika Catchings last Olympic Games, and what might be the last for fellow four-time Olympians Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. </p>
<p id="gs89Yf">Team USA’s golden girls earned their fourth gold medal beating Spain 101-72 in Saturday’s gold medal match-up. Not to mention, these three helped lead the red, white, and blue to their sixth consecutive gold – a trend that doesn’t look like it will stop anytime soon judging by the depth and talent of this year's team. </p>
<p id="hP9l05">“Not many people have an opportunity to play in the Olympics… One, let alone two, three and four,” said Catchings.</p>
<p id="560ZmV">“I’m blessed for all the opportunities I’ve had and all the lives that I’ve been able to impact by using the platform of basketball.”</p>
<p id="AGWFhJ">Bird, who fought through an injury after missing the semi-final game against France, could have very well played in her last Olympics as well. However, her post-game focus was not on the future but on the greatness that this team just accomplished.</p>
<p id="S5QDqF">“When you get together as a team, and you know you only have a month to do something, it’s remarkable in so many ways that we were able to put this together and do it in a fashion that leaves no question marks,” said Bird.</p>
<p id="KuLV76">But none of it would have been possible without the leadership and genius that is Head Coach Geno Auriemma. </p>
<p id="0D3Dtf">Auriemma spoke on the teams play throughout the tournament.</p>
<p id="sE43im"> “From the very first game that we played to today, with very few exceptions I thought we played basketball at a really high level.” </p>
<p id="IMZ6I6">A level that speaks volumes about the quality of player that Auriemma has brought up through the collegiate system, coming full circle back to Team USA as he coached five of his former UCONN athletes. Not to mention building chemistry among players in a month that often takes years to build. </p>
<p id="8eEOfZ">“The way we played, we respected our opponents, and we respected the game itself. We earned a lot of respect from a lot of people around the world, and I’m really proud of that.”</p>
<p id="1gt3Zv">That’s the American way – win and win right. The women of Team USA did just that. And they had fun along the way.</p>
<p id="H9UXdF">“This put us on the map as arguably one of the best teams, and we had fun doing it,” said Bird.</p>
<p id="siWrDF">And she’s right. This team has a legitimate argument when it comes to discussing the best teams in the world. The stats speak for themselves: record for field goals made (324), field goal percentage (.577), 3-pointers made (58), free-throw percentage (.776), and assists (224). Don’t forget about their overall routing of opponents and breaking triple-digit scores in six of their eight games. </p>
<p id="5xhi9i">“I’ve never been a part of anything like this,” said Taurasi.</p>
<p id="kYZyC8">Whether or not this is her last Olympics games, she made her mark. They all did. And whether this was their first gold medal, like Team USA rookie Breanna Stewart, or their fourth gold medal like that of Catchings, Bird, and Taurasi – they all leave Rio will a few more fans, a lot more respect, and one big piece of gold pride around their necks. </p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/8/20/12569762/usa-golden-bird-catchings-taurasi-rio-olympics-2016Mackenzie Friedman2016-08-08T18:00:02-04:002016-08-08T18:00:02-04:00Rotation of fresh legs benefiting the USA
<figure>
<img alt="Olympics: Basketball-Women's Team-Preliminary Round ESP vs USA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0aHoy-PDsGY1USjNKTON8v2cIPw=/24x0:5021x3331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50323623/usa-today-9434761.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is no question that the US National Team is stacked. They’re so stacked that a starter for the team knows the reserves could in fact be the starting five for Team USA.</p> <p id="z4gxGm"><strong>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil —</strong> On the World’s biggest stage, it was a total group effort in the USA’s 103-63 win over Spain. With 55 of their total points coming off the bench, it took every player donning the red, white and blue to make the magic happen in the second game on their quest for gold.</p>
<p id="Y8LvTb">After getting off to a slow start, Coach Geno Auriemma and Team USA relied on veteran leaders like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird to kick it into gear and get the job done. With both Taurasi and Bird competing in their fourth Olympic Games, experience is certainly not lacking.</p>
<p id="dDymFN">“D (Diana Taurasi) is constant, you know kind of everything revolved around her and Sue it seems like,” said Coach Auriemma. </p>
<p id="iw3DTs">Along with the veterans on this team comes a new generation of Team USA players that are stars in their own right.</p>
<p id="Rtf0wS">“God, they could be starting on this team, there’s no question about it,” said Bird.</p>
<p id="uZLezi">“Their youth and I guess their lack of international experience is the one area, but that will come with time.”</p>
<p id="itLXev">After coming off a record-setting win against Senegal, the pressure was on to keep the momentum going. Thanks to the new generation of Team USA stars, Bird spoke so highly of what comes from a deep bench, something that was of great use in Team USA’s win over Spain. </p>
<p id="AlIHuV">Sylvia Fowles and Elena Delle Donne led the way for the bench players with 12 apiece, followed by Angel McCountry with 10. Rookie Breanna Stewart chipped in nine points, while Lindsey Whalen and Seimone Augustus both contributed six points. </p>
<p id="0abpNe">This depth is critical to the success of Team USA against a team like Spain, who is ranked third in the world, despite what the final score of this game might convey. </p>
<p id="e93KZq">“Generally speaking, we wear teams down,” said Bird.</p>
<p id="z2OaiJ">“We wear them down, and they get tired, and then we bring in the next five, and then we bring in another five – a rested five. The score doesn’t speak to the talent level of Spain.”</p>
<p id="3x6dn4">She’s right; it doesn’t. But it does speak to the talent level of the United States. </p>
<p id="bys2tM">After two consecutive 40 (or more) point victories, Bird and the rest of her flock turn their focus to their next game against Serbia, a team the United States knows very well.</p>
<p id="qjWFsq">“We’ve got to rebound,” according to Bird.</p>
<p id="RIxAW0">“We gave them a lot of offensive rebounds. That’s kind of what kept them in the game for a while.”</p>
<p id="tchHFk">On the other hand, Taurasi says, “One thing we know about the Serbs is they can shoot. They can score. So it’s always a tough game against them.”</p>
<p id="Sx7HMx">While facing Team USA is surely a daunting task, the women know that they have a target on their backs, and it is not small. </p>
<p id="Y5N0LV">Bird knows that very well. </p>
<p id="lnT3ar">“There’s also that opportunity to upset; there’s that also that opportunity to make history that I’m sure is in the back of all their minds, and that’s what we’re guarding against.”</p>
<p id="8OxHff">Team USA is 2-0 in group play and looks to avoid that upset and improve their record to 3-0 against Serbia on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/8/8/12389616/supreme-court-depth-usa-olympics-rio-2016Mackenzie Friedman2016-06-24T00:30:02-04:002016-06-24T00:30:02-04:00Regulation not enough!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kp06P4aFlFwXelypWQKSb5e5mW0=/1750x484:3423x1599/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49942661/GettyImages-531487356.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Veteran leader Plenette Pierson led the Wings past the Stars 97-90 with 21 points — 6 in overtime. McBride and Hamby both came up big for the Stars with 17 points, but it was not enough. The Wings extend their win streak to four, while the Stars dropped their third straight. Diggins and Sims both finished with 19. </p> <p><b>Arlington, TX -</b>- They say everything is bigger in Texas -€” that includes basketball. Coming off a hard-fought loss against reigning league MVP Elena Delle Donne and the Chicago Sky, the San Antonio Stars looked to snap their two-game losing streak against a red-hot Dallas Wings team who came in flying high on a three-game win streak.</p>
<p>In their first match-up of the season, the Stars faced the daunting task of taking on the Wings in the franchise's inaugural home game in Dallas since moving here from Tulsa. The Wings took game one of the series, and they would take game two in overtime 97-90.</p>
<p>The first five minutes of the opening quarter were all about Kayla McBride. Her seven first-quarter points led for the Stars, as did her four rebounds. She finished with 17 points. For the Wings, Plenette Pierson did her best to keep Dallas close scoring their first four points of the game. However, shots were not dropping as freely for the Wings as they did on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.</p>
<p>Momentum shifted when Karima Christmas scored four quick points; Plenette Pierson drained a three, and Glory Johnson picked up an and-one layup before the end of the quarter giving Dallas the lead for the first time since scoring the opening points of the game.</p>
<p>Dallas would take the first quarter 22-16 behind Pierson's nine points and Johnson's four rebounds off the bench.</p>
<p>It rained threes in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Astou Ndour opened the quarter for San Antonio by immediately draining one from beyond the arc. After some back-and-forth action, Jordan Hooper and Odyssey Sims came through for the Wings with three-pointers of their own, which forced the Stars to take a timeout and extended Dallas' lead to 32-21.</p>
<p>After an uncharacteristic first quarter that sent Skylar Diggins to the bench, she found her stride in the second. Between Diggins' team-leading seven second-quarter points, Pierson's 13 first-half points, and various fundamental breakdowns on behalf of the Stars, the Wings took a 50-34 lead into the locker room at half -€” their biggest halftime lead of the season.</p>
<p>The Stars controlled the majority of the third quarter. Dallas shot only 33.3% from the floor, which helped cut San Antonio's deficit to as little as five in the quarter.</p>
<p>On relinquishing their large first-half lead, Diggins thought, "we got comfortable... Similar to our Phoenix game. They chipped away and chipped away... Just little mistakes that we can't allow to happen against a team like that who is tough."</p>
<p>Christmas' seven third-quarter points helped the Wings keep a lead, but it was a new ballgame going into the fourth.</p>
<p>Dearica Hamby's eight third-quarter points led for the Stars. She finished tied for a team-high with 17 points. The Stars took the quarter 27-16, but Dallas held onto a 66-61 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.</p>
<p>San Antonio scored the first eight points of the quarter to take the lead for the first time since the first quarter (69-66), but a three from newly engaged Diggins tied things back up at 69. Eight of the Wings next 10 points came from the free-throw line.</p>
<p>With two minutes to go, it was a two-point game.</p>
<p>After exchanging buckets back and forth, a Jayne Appel-Marinelli jump shot tied the game at 83 with 14.5 seconds left. Pierson's shot attempts fell short for the Wings, and this game headed to overtime.</p>
<p>On missing the game-winner in regulation, Pierson said, "I definitely was very upset that I did not make that last shot, but you know, things happen. We went into overtime, and we're a great team in overtime."</p>
<p>The Wings jumped out to a quick 89-83 lead to start the first overtime, which forced San Antonio to take a timeout. The Stars kept things close through the entire overtime period, but Dallas always had an answer.</p>
<p>Although they gave up an 18-point lead to reach overtime, they never relinquished their overtime lead and would take the game 97-90 behind Pierson's six overtime points, and game-high 21 total points. Diggins and Sims both finished with 19 for Dallas. The Wings improved to 6-0 when leading after three-quarters.</p>
<p>Head Coach Fred Williams was not pleased with blowing an 18-point lead, but was satisfied with the outcome.</p>
<p>"At the end, we made some big plays defensively and made some key shots all the way around from all of our players," said Williams. "We have to build on this game and learn from this game how to finish out in regulation."</p>
<p>Dallas looks to cap off their three-game homestand and extend their four-game win streak on Saturday against the Indiana Fever. The Stars look to snap their three-game skid at home on Saturday against the Atlanta Dream.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/6/24/12022478/dallas-squanders-lead-beat-stars-overtimeMackenzie Friedman2016-06-22T00:30:02-04:002016-06-22T00:30:02-04:00No Overtime needed!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JZc_UwxOc3do9PuURW1sUYrxBp8=/0x63:358x302/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49918833/Diggins.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The last time the Phoenix Mercury and the Dallas Wings played, the two teams went into a triple overtime game. Tonight, the Wings took care of business in regulation and didn't have to exert any more energy to hold off the Mercury. </p> <p></p>
<p>
</p>
<p><b>Arlington, TX --</b> Three was the number of the night for the Dallas Wings, as they entered the first game of a three-game home stand coming off a triple overtime win in Phoenix on Saturday. On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury came to Arlington hoping to play spoiler and even up the season series with the Wings after dropping the 3OT heartbreaker.</p>
<p>It was the Wings who would add another three to their board by picking up the W 100-90 to extend their win streak to, <span>yup ...</span> you guessed it, three.</p>
<p>Dallas has other ideas for the Mercury's revenge plans. Their loose pre-game vibes translated to the court as they jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead.</p>
<p>Odyssey Sims credits part of their recent success to their energy, "We've been starting games off <span>better; that's</span> something we <span>struggled with</span>. <span>And we've</span> been using that <span>energy</span> to take it into the next <span>three-quarters</span>."</p>
<p>Halfway through the quarter, the Mercury tied things up at nine thanks to a few Brittney Griner blocks on defense and careless Wings turnovers.</p>
<p>Just as Phoenix got in early foul trouble on Saturday, Dallas saw a similar story tonight as they sent the Mercury to the line nine times in the quarter. Diana Taurasi went 7-8 from the line, contributing to her team-high 15 first-half points.</p>
<p>With 0.5 seconds left in the quarter, Erin Phillips was fouled shooting a three and sank two of her three free throws to bring the Wings within two. Phoenix took the first quarter, 22-20.</p>
<p>Dallas would take the lead back on the first play of the quarter thanks to a three by Jordan Hooper. After back-and-forth action, the Mercury retook the lead. However, red-hot Hooper added two more threes to put the Wings back on top 35-32 with 4:46 left. She <span>paved</span> the way for Dallas with 11 points in the quarter.</p>
<p>The Wings moved the ball well, but unforced turnovers forced Dallas to take a timeout with a little over two minutes left in the half. Phillips got the Wings back on track immediately draining a jumper to extend the Dallas' lead to four.</p>
<p>Their lead would stay at <span>four,</span> as they headed to the locker room with a 48-44 lead. Hooper led the Wings with 11 third-quarter points, shooting a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc. Griner was right behind Taurasi for the Mercury with 14.</p>
<p>Phoenix got on the board first in the second half. Skylar Diggins answered for Dallas scoring seven of their first nine points, which gave them back the lead and the momentum and forced Phoenix to take a timeout.</p>
<p>The intensity built, the play grew in physicality, and the crowd was loud -€” which only increased when Karima Christmas drained a three for the Wings. For the Mercury, however, it seemed that Griner always had an answer.</p>
<p>The Wings were not backing down, and neither was the crowd. The Glory Johnson-Brittney Griner drama seemed to <span>be put</span> to rest after their first meeting on Saturday, but this crowd knew, and they made their voices heard.</p>
<p>Dallas took a 76-63 lead with under a minute left in the quarter, partially thanks to shooting a massive 70.6% from the floor compared to Phoenix's 37.5%.</p>
<p>They would take a 76-65 lead into the final quarter after DeWanna Bonner capitalized on two of three free throws with five seconds left as a result of Aerial Powers getting a little too close on Bonner's three-point attempt.</p>
<p>On Saturday, the Mercury ran out of gas in the fourth quarter after a large lead. Tonight, Dallas tried to avoid the same happening to them.</p>
<p>The Wings continued their red-hot shooting in the fourth while Phoenix slowly ran out of gas, similar to Saturday. The Mercury made runs throughout the quarter, but the mountain was too big to climb tonight.</p>
<p>"We just had a hard time containing their guards, and we have them too many open shots," said Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello. "This is a good team. <span>We're</span> just not playing defense the way we know were <span>capable of...</span> <span>It's</span> something that we've got to address."</p>
<p>Diggins was the Wings leading scorer for the second game in a row with 20 points. She had help from Johnson and <span>Sims,</span> who put up 17 and 16 points, respectfully. Bonner led the way for the Mercury with 26 points, with 16 of those coming in the fourth. Taurasi scored 21 and Griner <span>was</span> close behind with 17.</p>
<p>The Wings <span>didn't</span> need overtime to close out this one. Dallas beat Phoenix for the second game in a row and extended their win streak to three games. The Wings take on the San Antonio Stars on Thursday for the second game of their three-game homestead. The Mercury head to Washington to face the Mystics on Friday.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/6/22/11997608/wings-win-3rd-consecutive-behind-digginsMackenzie Friedman2016-06-17T00:32:37-04:002016-06-17T00:32:37-04:00Stewart's strong play not enough for win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S_guLdkUs6sIR4UH1O7jq5KPKSE=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49882381/GettyImages-540882192.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Layne Murdoch</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm both came into the game needing a win to move up in the standings. Even though the Storm had a stellar performance from Breanna Steweart, it would not be enough to stop Karima Christmas, Odyssey Sims and the Wings. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Arlington, TX --</b> Two teams that could both use a win took the court Thursday evening in Arlington. At 3-7, a desperate Dallas Wings team looked to snap a six-game losing skid.</p>
<p>On the other side, a 4-7 Seattle Storm team coming off a loss against San Antonio also strived to get back to winning ways. It was the Wings who came out on top 88-79 in the teams first meeting of the season.</p>
<p>The Wings got off to a fast start, both in points and pace of game. After Breanna Stewart won the opening tip-off for all-but-one time this season, Dallas got out to an early 13-4 lead. Three of those 13 points for the Wings were thanks to an Odyssey Sims three-pointer, which tied her season total from last season.</p>
<p>The tempo stayed high for a majority of the first quarter, but petty fouls on both sides slowed it down at times.</p>
<p>"Seattle is a team that reverses the ball a lot and makes you play defense, which they did," said Coach Fred Williams in reference to the tempo of the game. "We just wanted to open up the floor and try to get some of those fast break buckets or at least get some opportunities at the basket early."</p>
<p>After the Storm narrowed their deficit to five thanks to points off several Dallas turnovers, Aerial Powers entered the game for the Wings and immediately forced a Seattle turnover and drained a three. However, Stewart answered right back with a three for the Storm. Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the quarter.</p>
<p>Dallas took a 25-21 lead into the second quarter, after leading by as many as 10. Stewart led the way for Seattle with 9 points, while Karima Christmas and Plenette Pierson each had five for the Wings.</p>
<p>Back-and-forth action was the story of the second quarter. Skylar Diggins came up big in the quarter for Dallas while Stewart had another big quarter for the Storm. Diggins finished with four and Stewart finished with eight.</p>
<p>The Wings called, and early timeout after Seattle scored the first five points of the quarter, narrowing their deficit to one. After trading baskets for the majority of the quarter, the deficit hung out at one until they took the lead for the first time 33-32 thanks to a layup from Stewart. However, Dallas answered right back with another three from Sims.</p>
<p>Questionable calls continued in the second drawing several eruptions from the home crowd. Fouls forced Christmas to the bench late in the quarter after she picked up her third. Plenette Pierson was already benched earlier in the quarter due to foul trouble of her own.</p>
<p>The Storm headed into halftime with a 38-36 lead behind Stewart's 17 first-half points. Diggins and Christmas both finished the half with seven for the Wings.</p>
<p>Alysha Clark got Seattle on the board first in the second-half scoring her first points of the game with a layup. But the back-and-forth basketball played in the first half continued to the second.</p>
<p>Pierson scored an and-one layup to give Dallas the lead for the first time in almost 10 minutes of play.</p>
<p>Tied at 46 with 6:58 remaining in the third, it was a brand new ball game. That is until the Wings went on a 6-0 run to take the lead 55-49 and forced Seattle to take a timeout to try to stop the momentum. Dallas dominated the floor in the third quarter shooting a whopping 73.3%.</p>
<p>The Storm's efforts to calm Dallas' momentum were unsuccessful. The Wings took a 67-57 lead into the final quarter; led by seven big points late in the quarter from Powers, who came off the bench and seven from Christmas as well. Crystal Langhorne made up for Stewart's quiet quarter with eight points for Seattle.</p>
<p>Dallas continued to extend their lead in the fourth. The Storm kept it within reach and attempted to chip away at their deficit, but the Wings always responded.</p>
<p>Christmas and Sims finished with 17 points for the Wings. Dallas also had Powers with 13 points off the bench and Paris with a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 boards.</p>
<p>Stewart finished with a massive 29 points and had some thoughts on why she thought the Wings offense worked tonight: "They had help from all over the place. It wasn't just one player. They seemed to be scoring, rebounding, doing everything across the board."</p>
<p>Seattle finished with three others finished in double digits. However, it was not enough to overcome the Wings high-powered performance.</p>
<p>Dallas snapped their six-game losing streak to beat Seattle 88-79. The post-game smiles on the Wings player's faces said it all.</p>
<p>"It was important. We kind of felt it in New York. We came out strong, and we wanted to build on that. We came in here to protect home-court, and we finally got this win," said Wings leading scorer Karima Christmas.</p>
<p>Dallas looks to keep their winning momentum going as they head to Phoenix to take on the Mercury on Saturday. The Storm will try to end their two-game slump as they head home to face the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/6/17/11960258/dallas-snaps-losing-streak-christmasMackenzie Friedman