Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings was one of the catalysts for a near, successful rally against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at College Park Center. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings fought with relentless grit Friday night at College Park Center, pushing the Los Angeles Sparks to the wire in a 97-96 finish, but ultimately came up just short.
From the opening tip, it was clear this contest would be a back-and-forth affair. The Sparks leaned on Kelsey Plum, whose 28 points paced the visitors, hitting a combination of step-back jumpers and quick drives to the basket that kept Dallas on its heels early.
Dearica Hamby added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Azurá Stevens chipped in 15 points, providing the Sparks with a sturdy inside-outside attack.
Dallas wasn’t intimidated. Paige Bueckers orchestrated the Wings’ offense with precision, finishing with a team-high 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting while also distributing five assists. Her floor awareness and insistence on maximizing possessions kept Dallas in striking distance throughout.
“Yeah, just staying in the possessions, always having something to coach, not getting affected by all the things that we can’t control,” Bueckers said. “But I think we really locked in in the fourth quarter on what we could control. And that was our defensive effort, the pressure, the intensity at which we played with the pace at which we played with.
“So just always saying that together and confident and connected throughout an entire game, because we know basketball is a game of runs and at any point it can shift our way, but we forced it to shift our way in the fourth quarter, which is what I think we can take away with us.”
The Wings’ energy was palpable, particularly when Maddy Siegrist converted 6-of-6 free throws, supplementing her 15 points.
They’re great. They show up every single night. I think everyone felt the energy in that game, especially the last two minutes. They’re just great. So just to have that behind you and you feel that you feed off of that, it’s just great,” Siegrist said.
Her efficiency at the line and defensive contributions kept Dallas close as the Sparks pressed the pace.
Luisa Geiselsöder (No. 18) of the Dallas Wings scored three triples against the Los Angeles Sparks. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
Quarter by quarter, the momentum swung dramatically. Los Angeles jumped to an early eight-point lead in the first period, riding Plum’s scoring bursts and tight perimeter defense. But the Wings, fueled by home energy and an unyielding defensive effort, chipped away by halftime. Bueckers’ stellar midrange game and Luisa Geiselsöder’s timely three-pointers sparked a second-quarter rally, trimming the Sparks’ advantage to a single point.
After halftime, the Sparks leaned heavily on Hamby and Stevens in the paint, extending the lead to double digits. But Dallas’ balance kept the contest competitive. Myisha Hines-Allen posted 9 points and seven rebounds in a limited 19 minutes, while Aziaha James’ floor spacing and 10 points created room for Bueckers to drive with authority. Koclanes’ young squad refused to let LA pull away with determined efforts by rookies JJ Quinerly and James, showing cohesion despite one of the league’s youngest rosters.
“Just continuing to grow every day. Get in the film room, clean it up. Get even more consistent, try to limit our slippage. And just continue to, to stay together in that locker room. So, yeah, I’m just excited about this group and how we’re growing on and off the floor together,” said Dallas head coach Chris Koclanes.
The fourth quarter was a microcosm of the Wings’ season: resilient, determined, but ultimately just shy of finishing the deal. Dallas outscored Los Angeles 28-17 in the final period, forcing turnovers, crashing the boards, and executing with crisp ball movement.
Paige Bueckers (No. 5) went on a scoring tear for the Dallas Wings like Jeff Gordon rallying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
Bueckers’ leadership was on full display, as she pushed the pace and took control when the game hung in the balance. Geiselsöder and Quinerly hit big shots at critical junctures, fueling the comeback.
Yet, the Sparks’ veteran composure held firm. Plum drained consecutive jumpers under pressure, and Plum’s jumper with 1:03, unbeknownst at the time, sealed the one-point victory. The final minute saw Bueckers and Quinerly lead a gallant effort, great defense by the Wings, and a heroic but failed three-point shot by Bueckers, falling short of scoring the team’s 10th win.
However, Dallas’ performance showcased the team’s potential and the energy of its Arlington faithful. Haley Jones contributed 4 points and 4 assists, providing poise as the game tightened, while Diamond Miller’s hustle netted six points and key rebounds off the bench. Despite the narrow loss, the Wings demonstrated the kind of resilience that has marked their recent victories, including a win over Indiana earlier in the week.
“Just staying in the possessions, always having something to coach, not getting affected by all the things that we can’t control,” Bueckers added, emphasizing the mindset that carried the Wings through several momentum swings. Siegrist’s defensive tenacity, combined with her smooth finishing from the charity stripe, energized the squad late in the game and reminded the league that Dallas’ young roster can compete with the best when firing on all cylinders.
For Los Angeles, the win was a statement of depth and poise. The Sparks relied on their blend of veteran scoring and timely defensive stops to withstand Dallas’ late surge. Rickea Jackson chipped in 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers that kept the Wings at bay, and Julie Allemand’s 12 points with 10 assists provided steady facilitation, keeping Plum and Hamby in rhythm.
The Wings, now 2-8 in their last 10 games, have shown flashes of the explosive potential that has fans buzzing about the team’s future. Their ability to rally from deficits and challenge a team as seasoned as Los Angeles underscores both the talent and growing confidence within Koclanes’ young group.
As Dallas looks ahead, the lessons from this thriller will resonate. Maintaining composure in tight moments, exploiting defensive lapses, and continuing to grow as a cohesive unit are critical goals as the Wings aim to sustain momentum in a competitive Western Conference. Koclanes’ message of daily growth and accountability resonates after the game’s tense finish.
Even in defeat, the Wings left the court with optimism.
Maddy Siegrist (No. 20) has been on a scoring frenzy for the Dallas Wings since her return to the lineup on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
Meanwhile, the Sparks can savor a hard-fought victory over a determined opponent. With Plum, Hamby, and Stevens delivering when it mattered most, Los Angeles proved they can withstand a young, hungry team on the rise.
Dallas’ fans, who packed College Park Center, were rewarded with high drama, clutch plays, and a glimpse at a Wings squad developing chemistry and resilience that promises to challenge the league throughout the season. Though the scoreboard ultimately favored Los Angeles, the narrative of the night was Dallas’ fight, leadership from Bueckers, and the emergence of a young roster capable of turning near-defeats into lessons for future success.
The Wings will aim to convert these lessons into victories in upcoming contests, seeking consistency while harnessing the energy of their home crowd. Friday night’s nail-biter against the Sparks was a reminder of both the challenge and potential that defines Dallas’ campaign — a team growing in talent, leadership, and confidence, even in close losses.
Next Stop
Dallas takes flight for a Sunday matinee matchup against the Las Vegas Aces (20-14) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas for their fourth and final matchup of the 2025 WNBA season.
Taking Flight
Paige Bueckers made history in Friday night’s game when she became the fastest player in Wings’ franchise history to score 500 career points while passing Odyssey Sims for the most assists by a rookie, setting the new record at 146 and counting.
Los Angeles Sparks: By the Numbers
| Player | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearica Hamby | 28 | 7-13 | 1-1 | 5-6 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | +13 | 20 |
| Azura Stevens | 32 | 5-12 | 2-5 | 3-3 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +5 | 15 |
| Rickea Jackson | 35 | 5-17 | 3-7 | 2-2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | +3 | 15 |
| Kelsey Plum | 34 | 9-17 | 3-5 | 7-10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 28 |
| Julie Allemand | 36 | 5-8 | 2-4 | 0-0 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +4 | 12 |
| Cameron Brink | 12 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | -12 | 3 |
| Julie Vanloo | 4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -3 | 0 |
| Rae Burrell | 19 | 2-7 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -5 | 4 |
| Team Totals | 33-75 | 11-25 | 20-25 | 39 | 23 | 11 | 5 | 14 | 17 | 97 | ||
| Percentages | 44.0 | 44.0 | 80.0 |
Dallas Wings: By the Numbers
Diamond Miller (No. 1) of the Dallas Wings provided some spark off the bench against the Los Angeles Sparks on the offensive end. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
| Player | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maddy Siegrist | 33 | 4-9 | 1-4 | 6-6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 15 |
| Luisa Geiselsöder | 17 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -4 | 9 |
| Grace Berger | 7 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -13 | 0 |
| Paige Bueckers | 33 | 12-21 | 0-3 | 5-5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -1 | 29 |
| Haley Jones | 21 | 2-7 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -12 | 4 |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | 19 | 4-5 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +16 | 9 |
| Diamond Miller | 13 | 3-6 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 6 |
| Li Yueru | 9 | 1-4 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -10 | 3 |
| Aziaha James | 19 | 5-9 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +10 | 10 |
| JJ Quinerly | 30 | 4-8 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +16 | 11 |
| Team Totals | 38-75 | 9-27 | 11-11 | 28 | 32 | 6 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 96 | ||
| Percentages | 50.7 | 33.3 | 100.0 |
Editor’s Note
Michele Aerin contributed to this article directly onsite from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
