The New York Liberty controlled the game for most of the period, but the Dallas Wings were not ready to go away and continued to chase down the defending champion’s lead. Arike Ogunbowale led the side without Paige Bueckers and tried to snatch a statement win. Sadly, the visitors were too hard to overcome, and the Wings lost the game 77-88.
Disheartened by the loss, the veteran guard took her frustration in the post-game interview and later took the help of social media to express her feelings about haters. This is a rare occasion where the 28-year-old lost control.
Arike Ogunbowale Gives A Stern Reply to Reporter
The 2020 scoring champion led the side with 17 points but shot 37.5% from the field. She even missed all her three-point attempts on the night. With 11 points separating the two teams, such specifics play a vital role, and the experienced star understands the same.
When asked about her shooting slump, Ogunbowale first asked the reporter, Joey Mistretta, for his opinion. While the interviewer praised her for her adjustments, the star guard laughed at it. She even mentioned that she read his tweets, and they contradicted his current words.
“Oh, you be saying other stuff on Twitter,” she said skeptically in the post-game press conference and then answered his question. The reporter earlier had criticized the Wings’ guard for her shooting slum and questioned the team dynamics.
“This is just my opinion, but Arike Ogunbowale hasn’t looked comfortable in this offense all season — with or without Paige Bueckers on the floor. Sure, she’s had some good games, but it’s been a difficult year,” Mistretta tweeted.
He added that the star was having a rough night, and it had been the case for the season. It was obvious that the player found it contradictory when he praised her for her adjustments and gameplay in a press conference.
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“Y’all so funny. I never say anything fr, criticism’s part of the job, I welcome all of it. BUT if one day I feel like responding, just stand on everything said, don’t start [stuttering] lmao. But anyway, back to being quiet. God bless,” Arike Ogunbowale posted on her Twitter account.
😂😂 yall so funny. i never say anything fr, criticism’s part of the job, i welcome all of it. BUT if one day i feel like responding just stand on everything said don’t start studdering lmao. but anyway back to being quiet. God bless 🙏🏾
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) August 9, 2025
While many criticized the Wings’ guard for her offensive struggles, she never responded to any comment aggressively. Her current remark highlights her frustration. She also had a thumb injury in the 2025 season, altering her shooting actions and regular movements.
Arike Ogunbowale Remains The Wings’ Voice In Locker Room
The Dallas Wings, citing improbable chances of making the playoffs, traded DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx. The deal brought them a draft pick and a rotational player. There were rumors around Ogunbowale’s departure, but the front office stuck with its leading scorer.
With young players like Paige Bueckers, Diamond Miller, JJ Quinerly, Aziaha James, and Li Yueru, the 2019 draft pick remains the only experienced player on the roster. Despite her shooting struggles and scoring drought, the record-setting star is the voice in the locker room following her 7 years’ experience with the Texas franchise.
Coach Koclanes also highlighted the importance of a four-time All-Star despite the addition of generational talent in Paige Bueckers. He mentioned that the duo is working to build confidence. They put a ton of pressure on opponents’ defenses with their offensive flair.
The vet averages 15.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in the 2025 season. These are her career low numbers. She will be looking to end the season on a strong note.