Atlanta Dream Beat Dallas Wings Despite Bueckers’ Effort

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings scored a double-double in a 100-78 loss to the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Dallas Wings fell 100-78 to the Atlanta Dream on Friday night at Gateway Center Arena, struggling to contain a Dream squad that relied on the long-range shooting of Rhyne Howard and a balanced offensive attack.

Dallas jumped out to an early lead, thanks in part to Paige Bueckers, who assisted Maddy Siegrist on the first basket of the night. After Atlanta raced to a 7-4 lead in the opening 3:05, Bueckers converted a 7-foot pull-up jumper to bring Dallas within one. Bueckers, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist, continued to orchestrate Dallas’ offense in the first quarter alongside Siegrist, who contributed 23 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Siegrist also drew multiple fouls early, putting Atlanta in early foul trouble and giving Dallas extra possessions.

After trading baskets early, the Wings led 21-19 at the end of the first quarter. Myisha Hines-Allen scored efficiently in the paint, converting layups and short jumpers, while Siegrist hit a 16-foot step-back jumper to maintain momentum. However, Atlanta’s Te-Hina Paopao and Howard began to heat up in the second quarter, connecting on several three-pointers, allowing the Dream to seize a lead they would not relinquish. Dallas struggled to match Atlanta’s tempo and energy, particularly on transition defense, which allowed the Dream to score easy buckets in fast breaks.

Bueckers tried to keep the Wings within striking distance, hitting a step-back jumper late in the second quarter. She spoke about the belief that fuels her and the team.

“Yeah. I mean, just to stick with it like whoever we have in that locker room, whoever puts on a Wings jersey that night, that’s where we’re going to war with,” Bueckers said. “And that’s who we believe in. And we don’t need exterior belief. Like, in that locker room, we feel like we have enough, and we’re always going to fight and show up that way.”

Despite her leadership, turnovers and missed shots plagued the Wings in the third quarter. Atlanta expanded the margin behind Howard, who made multiple three-pointers, including a 24-foot running pull-up shot that pushed the Dream lead to 79-67. Hines-Allen chipped in with a 25-foot three-pointer and several drives to the basket, but Dallas couldn’t overcome the Dream’s offensive rhythm. Atlanta moved the ball efficiently and forced the Wings to defend on their heels, which created mismatches that the Dream exploited.

Siegrist and Amy Okonkwo combined to keep the Wings within striking distance at various points. Siegrist nailed a 26-foot three-pointer late in the third quarter to close the gap to four points, while Bueckers scored on a pull-up jumper and a driving floater to keep hope alive. Hines-Allen continued to fight in the paint, scoring on multiple post moves, but Atlanta’s Brionna Jones and Maya Caldwell converted key baskets, extending the lead. The Dream’s depth showed as substitutions did not slow their momentum, and every time Dallas tried to rally, Atlanta responded with timely scoring.

Dallas coach Chris Koclanes praised his team’s effort despite the loss.

“Everything, right? I don’t need to repeat it, let’s have everyone watch what Paige just spoke to,” Koclanes said. “That’s not just lip service, right? That’s belief. That’s genuine. That’s authentic. She pours into her teammates and really believes in everyone in that locker room. So there’s just so much upside.

“It’s hard to really see that. So I just really credit our team and Paige for being able to hold perspective, because it’s really easy when things are this hard to just crumble and get down. To be able to have the maturity, to hold perspective and not feel sorry for ourselves and still maintain a standard with expectations and accountability… yes, we’re going to be better and we have to be better. There’s patience there too, knowing that we will be better and we can be better, and we believe in one another.”

Maddy Siegrist (No. 20) of the Dallas Wings concluded her strong month of August by averaging 16 points in 11 games. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

The Wings’ inability to contain Howard’s shooting and Atlanta’s transition game widened the gap in the fourth quarter. Jones added scoring in the paint, and Caldwell contributed from beyond the arc, helping the Dream reach 100 points. Dallas managed only 78 points, with contributions scattered among Hines-Allen, Bueckers, Siegrist, Okonkwo, and Grace Berger. Siegrist continued her strong night offensively, driving to the rim with authority and converting a step-back jumper in the fourth quarter.

Even with the lopsided final score, Bueckers emphasized the belief and effort within the Wings’ locker room. Siegrist’s 23 points were a bright spot, showing that the team can get production from multiple players, but turnovers, defensive lapses, and hot shooting from Atlanta proved too much to overcome. Hines-Allen finished with a double-double, contributing both points and rebounds, while Bueckers’ leadership on the court was evident in the way she distributed the ball and made high-IQ plays despite facing heavy defensive pressure.

Reflecting on the team’s process, Bueckers added, “I just have this undying belief in it. And I know that we continue to do the things the right way. We continue to believe in each other, continue to invest our whole lives into this basketball thing. The results will come.”

Dallas will look to rebound in their next outing, needing a stronger defensive effort and more consistent offensive execution to keep pace with Western Conference contenders. Still, the Wings have shown flashes of potential this season, particularly with Bueckers and Siegrist leading the way, but Thursday’s game highlighted the work that remains to be done in terms of consistency, team defense, and finishing around the basket. Coach Koclanes stressed that keeping faith in the process and in the team’s collective effort is essential for the Wings’ growth as the season progresses.

Bueckers and Siegrist demonstrated the Wings’ offensive capabilities, while Hines-Allen anchored the defense and contributed in scoring. Dallas’ bench played a role, but Atlanta’s starters and key reserves made the difference. The Wings must continue to develop chemistry and find ways to minimize turnovers while maximizing scoring opportunities against high-powered teams.

Atlanta’s win also showcased their depth and scoring versatility. With Howard, Caldwell, and Jones leading the way, the Dream’s ability to stretch the floor and execute in transition proved decisive. For Dallas, building on the performance of Bueckers and Siegrist, who combined for 39 points, will be key in preparing for upcoming matchups against other Western Conference contenders.

Despite the loss, Dallas can take confidence from the effort displayed by their core players and the belief articulated by Bueckers. Her message about commitment and faith in the team’s process will be essential as the Wings build for long-term success.

Invoking from one of the NBA’s current greats to describe the importance of patience and faith in the process, Bueckers echoed such a famous sentiment.

“I remember Steph Curry before the Warriors became the Warriors. Like he tweeted out, ‘Just stick with us. We’re going to figure it out.’ Like that’s the message. The same people who were in the gym on that season are the same people who I want to be at the championship celebration parade. That’s my undying belief in what we’re building here.”

Next Flight

Dallas’ four-game road trip continues as they square off against the Minnesota Lynx (30-8) at Target Center on Monday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. CT.

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Christyn Wiliams (No. 13) of the Dallas Wings scored her first career points in the WNBA against the Atlanta Dream. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Atlanta Dream: By the Numbers