Dallas has a new queen in town, and her name is Teaira McCowan.
On March 8th, 2022, the Dallas Wings announced the signing of a center from the Indiana Fever: McCowan. The news delighted Wings fans, thrilled about the prospect of adding a dominant post player. Nicknamed the “walking double-double,” McCowan exceeded expectations, and her exceptional play helped clinch a playoff spot.
McCowan averaged 10.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in her three years with Indiana. The Texas native arrived in Dallas after a 2021 season in which she put up 11 points, 10 rebounds (3rd best in the league), and 2 blocks a game. But could McCowan carry that success over to her new team, to a new system? The answer: yes.
From Bench Player to Blossoming Star
McCowan’s journey with the Wings underwhelmed at first. She played just 8.7 minutes per game and averaged just 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds. However, her first big performance came a month into the season on June 12th. McCowan played 17 minutes and dropped 13 points and 6 rebounds on the Storm. She proved that, if given the chance, she could be a crucial member of a playoff-hopeful Wings team. Five days later, she notched her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds against the Mercury.
She continued to deliver similar performances for the next month, averaging 11 and 8. However, her last nine games have been nothing short of spectacular. She’s averaged a staggering 18.2 points and 11 rebounds, including a stunning five straight double-doubles during that span. As a result, the Wings have won five games straight and counting. This unbelievable stretch of games earned her the Player of the Week award in the season’s 12th week, an overdue and deserved honor.
Her biggest performance of the season was undoubtedly her career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds against the Mystics on July 28th. She was unstoppable in the paint, shooting 82% from the field.
Other notable performances include her 20 & 12 against the Sky and 21 & 16 versus the Aces, both Wings wins.
Leading the League
McCowan’s performances earned her spots on countless leaderboards. Among the league, McCowan ranks at:
- 1st in total rebound %
- 1st in offensive rebound %
- 2nd in total offensive rebounds
- 2nd in FG%
- 3rd in effective FG%
- 4th in 2-pt FG%
- 4th in true shooting %
- 5th in PER
- 7th in defensive rebound %
- 9th in offensive rating
- 15th in rebounds per game
- 19th in total rebounds
- 19th in block %
- 20th in total 2-pt field goals
McCowan is a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. She cannot be denied when going for a rebound or layup. But how is she so dominant? For one, she stands at a towering 6’7″, which makes it much easier for her to bully smaller players in the paint.
Her ability to maneuver around defenses near the basket allows her to power through opponents, often drawing fouls and making the opposing team look lost. This dominance draws the attention of the defense, making offensive plays exponentially easier for her teammates.
With star guard Arike Ogunbowale out for the first round of the playoffs, the Wings seek increased offensive and defensive output for McCowan.
Thankfully, if anyone’s proven they’re capable of consistently delivering elite performances, it’s her. McCowan’s star-level play might just lead the Wings to a deep playoff push.
Teaira McCowan appreciation tweet. pic.twitter.com/rDgBSpFZES
— X – Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) July 29, 2022
Stats courtesy Basketball Reference
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