The Dallas Wings faced a severe player shortage Friday night, requiring “emergency relief” to field a team against the Atlanta Dream. Despite their efforts,the Wings were defeated by the Dream,100-78.

To meet the league minimum of eight players, Dallas signed Christyn Williams and extended Amy Okonkwo‘s seven-day contract.

“We didn’t know if we’d have enough players to play tonight,” Dallas wing Maddy Siegrist saeid after the loss.

The Wings were granted hardship exceptions, allowing them to sign players due to having more than two players out with injuries, illnesses, or other extenuating circumstances.

Paige bueckers, who scored 16 points and had 10 assists, stated, “We’re playing the hand we’re dealt.We have people coming in who have never played before.”

Dallas is currently missing Luisa Geiselsöder (right Shoulder), Ty Harris (Left knee), Aziaha James (right ankle), Haley Jones (right knee), Arike Ogonbolele (right knee), jjj quinerly (left knee) and li yeru (left knee).

Bueckers had missed the previous game but was able to play against the Dream.

Dallas coach Chris Koclanes commented, “Our front office has been busy.Unfortunate with the bug that we’re being hit with right now. Wish everyone was healthy and can get healthy quick. Lots of work behind the scenes to see who is available. It’s an awkward time of the year because so many players are heading overseas for their international responsibilities.”

The Wings remained competitive until the fourth quarter when Atlanta began with an eight-point run, securing their victory.

“We ran out of gas a little bit. We had some lapses defensively,” Siegrist said.

The Wings, with a 9-31 record, have not had a player appear in every game this season and have collectively missed over 100 games due to injury or absence.

“We didn’t know if we’d have enough players to play tonight,”

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