Paige Bueckers lit up the court in her return, but the Dallas Wings couldn’t break their losing streak, falling 93–80 to the Phoenix Mercury for their fifth straight defeat. Even after a jaw-dropping career-high 35 points from Bueckers, the Wings are still plummeting in a season that’s fast unraveling.
Bueckers is Back — and Balling
Back in action after a four-game absence due to concussion protocol and illness, No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers came out firing, making an immediate impact. She was everywhere—scoring 22 points in the first half alone, shooting efficiently 13-of-19 from the field, and chipping in 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
SportSnip Take:
Bueckers was every inch the future face of the WNBA. Composed, dynamic, and not fearing pressure—she didn’t just come back; she arrived.
Bad luck for Dallas, as the rest of the team could not keep up with her level of energy. The Wings collectively shot 33% from the field, and aside from Bueckers, they went an abysmal 0-for-13 beyond the arc.
Mercury Firepower Too Much to Handle
Whereas Dallas leaned on one star, Phoenix Mercury presented a team effort.
Satou Sabally had a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds).
Alyssa Thomas led the charge with precision, tallying 10 assists and chipping in 11 points to fuel the Mercury’s balanced attack.
The Mercury as a team hit 15 three-pointers, breaking the game open in the second half.
SportSnip Insight:
Phoenix demonstrated winning by committee. Their three-point shooting, spacing, and ball movement opened up Dallas’ defensive seams and offensive unevenness.
Wings’ Season in Freefall
Now at 1–10, the Dallas Wings are at the bottom of the WNBA. Rookie flashes aren’t giving way to victories, and losing Ty Harris (season-ending knee injury) has merely exacerbated the backcourt malady.
Key Stats:
Wings: 1-of-14 from 3-point range
Mercury: 15-of-35 from deep
Wings: 13 team assists
Mercury: 26 assists — two times the ball sharing
What’s Next?
Dallas Wings travel to Las Vegas to play the reigning champions prior to a home fixture against the Golden State Valkyries. It’s a grueling run coming up for a side in urgent need of ending the bleeding.
Phoenix Mercury, now 7–4, is gathering steam and looking at finishing the top four. They’ll play in Las Vegas and then host Connecticut, what could be an emotional contest for Thomas in her former club.
Last Word from SportSnip
Bueckers is the real deal. But the Wings have a real problem.
Until Dallas develops a stronger support system around their generational star, games like this one—beautiful and devastating—will be the new norm. The Mercury, on the other hand, appears poised to make a deep playoff run, fueled by depth and togetherness.