The Dallas Wings finally broke through the weight of a winless start in the 2025 WNBA season — and they did it with a statement performance. The Wings outclassed the Connecticut Sun by a whopping 109-87 margin in a sold-out crowd, but the evening belonged to rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, who set the court ablaze in an incredible homecoming game.
Rookie Paige Bueckers: Star Born in Connecticut, Reborn in the WNBA
Back on the same Connecticut hardwood where she once dominated college basketball at UConn, Paige Bueckers performed like an old pro. The No. 1 overall draft pick had 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block in just 35 minutes.
Her court savvy, cool head in clutch situations and accurate shooting were all that fans hoped for—and then some. As chants of “Let’s go, Paige!” The cheers rippled through Mohegan Sun Arena like a well-known melody, and Bueckers moved with the calm of someone back on familiar ground.
“She will be the best player in the league,” WNBA legend Diana Taurasi said, and frankly, it’s difficult to disagree after this debut.
Arike Ogunbowale Ignites Second-Half Surge
The Wings’ old reliable guard Arike Ogunbowale was subdued in the first half with only 2 points but then caught fire in the third quarter. She scored a whopping 15 points all by herself in the third quarter, adding up to 19 points for the game, 6 steals, and 4 assists. Her presence and energy on the court were crucial in extending Dallas’ advantage and putting any potential comeback attempt the Sun could have had to bed.
SportSnip Analysis: With Ogunbowale offering old-school leadership and Bueckers bringing in rookie zip, the Wings suddenly look like a whole lot more menacing unit.
Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
Sun Struggle to Find Rhythm
Tina Charles did her best to anchor the Connecticut Sun with 27 points and 6 rebounds, while Marina Mabrey added a solid 19-point effort in support. But again, the absence of defensive adjustments and offensive rhythm haunted the Sun, now standing at 0-5, the league’s worst start this season.
The second quarter proved costly for the Sun, as the Wings erupted with a 33-18 run and stormed into halftime holding a commanding 56-42 lead. From there, Connecticut could not catch up.
Rahat’s Take: The Sun must reset, particularly on defense. Conceding 109 points at home is not a bad night—it’s a red flag.
Scoreboard Summary — Wings vs. Sun | May 27, 2025
Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds | FG% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paige Bueckers | Wings | 21 | 7 | 5 | 80% |
Arike Ogunbowale | Wings | 19 | 4 | 3 | 53% |
Tina Charles | Sun | 27 | 2 | 6 | 52% |
Marina Mabrey | Sun | 19 | 3 | 4 | 47% |
Why This Win Means So Much for Dallas
This win was more than merely a digit in the “W” column for the Wings. It was a turning point.
Momentum Builder: Beginning the season 0-4, morale wasn’t good. Now they have a spark.
Bueckers Era Begins: Paige isn’t a future star she’s already impacting games.
Balanced Attack: Dallas featured four players in double figures, demonstrating depth that will pay dividends in close games.
What’s Next?
Dallas Wings (1-4): They return home to play the Chicago Sky with the hope of carrying this momentum.
Connecticut Sun (0-5): Facing a tough start, the Sun head out on the road to face the Indiana Fever, hoping to reset and find their first win. The Sun are urgently in need of a win before the season gets away from them.
Final Thoughts
With this WNBA highlight-reel win, the Dallas Wings are here to stay. Paige Bueckers not only met expectations—she surpassed them. The Connecticut Sun faces mounting pressure to improve their defense, build better chemistry, and bring more urgency to their game.
Watch out for the Wings; the combination of fresh brilliance and wise talent may prove to be the most thrilling team to watch this year.
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