Bueckers Return: Wings Fall to Mercury Despite Star’s Performance
- Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers made a triumphant return Wednesday night, scoring a career-best 35 points.
- Bueckers became only the fourth rookie in Wings history to score 30 or more points in a single game.
- Despite her notable stats, Bueckers felt she could have contributed more.
Paige Bueckers Scores Career-High as wings Fall to Mercury
Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers made a triumphant return Wednesday night, scoring a career-best 35 points. However, her stellar performance wasn’t enough to lift the Wings, who fell to the Phoenix Mercury 93-80.The No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers had recently been sidelined due to concussion protocol and illness.
Bueckers became only the fourth rookie in Wings history to score 30 or more points in a single game. Arike Ogunbowale was the most recent, achieving the feat in 2019. Despite Bueckers’ efforts, the Wings, who have the worst record in the league, suffered their sixth consecutive loss, bringing their season record to 1-10. This marks their worst start since 2012.
Despite her notable stats, Bueckers felt she could have contributed more. “Felt a little winded coming back from a break and I feel like I could have used my voice more, been more disruptive. Crashed the glass more,” Bueckers said.
While paige Bueckers shined, the rest of the Dallas Wings struggled against the mercury. The team, excluding Bueckers, shot just 33.3% from the field and missed all 12 of their 3-point attempts. Ogunbowale, in particular, had a arduous night, going 2-for-10 from the field and committing four turnovers.
JJ Quinerly provided a spark off the bench. In just six minutes of play,Quinerly scored four points,grabbed a steal,and dished out an assist. Quinerly’s performance suggests she may deserve increased playing time alongside Paige Bueckers, especially given the team’s current struggles.
What’s next
The Wings will look to regroup and find a way to support paige Bueckers’ offensive efforts in their upcoming games. Increased minutes for JJ Quinerly could provide a much-needed boost.