Atlanta Dream Edge Dallas Wings Late in Home Heartbreaker

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers shoots a three point shot over the reaching hand of Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner during the first quarter of a regular season game at College Park Center on July 30, 2025. (Photo: Miles Meador | The Podium Finish)

ARLINGTON, Texas — A valiant fourth-quarter comeback by the Dallas Wings came up just short Wednesday night at College Park Center, as the Atlanta Dream escaped with a dramatic 88-85 victory on Naz Hillmon’s game-winning 3-pointer with 2.6 seconds remaining.

The Wings (8-20) erased a nine-point deficit in the final six minutes of regulation and briefly led in the final two minutes, fueled by an explosive stretch from rookie guard Paige Bueckers. But Hillmon, who came off the bench to score a career-high 21 points, delivered the final dagger that sealed the game and silenced the home crowd.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Wings showed their grit and growth — a theme emphasized by head coach Chris Koclanes postgame.

“It’s a missed opportunity. But it’s also proof of our growth trajectory and our resilience,” Koclanes said. “We’re learning to stay in games, dig deep, and share the ball on offense. Now our defense has to come along with that.”

Bueckers finished with a team-high 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. She also dished out seven assists and turned the ball over just once in 35 minutes of action.

Playing in front of a lively home crowd, Bueckers stepped up in crunch time, scoring nine points in the final five minutes. She drilled a clutch 3-pointer near the top with 2:36 remaining to give Dallas its first lead since the second quarter, 81-80.

“Playing against defenders in this league — they’re the best in the world,” Bueckers said. “You have to create space in tight windows. I’ve been working on my footwork since middle school. It’s always been a fundamental part of my game.”

Rookie forward Luisa Geiselsöder turned in one of her most complete games of the season, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting and three made 3-pointers. She added four rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes of play.

Dallas Wings forward Luisa Geiselsöder holds a 3 point sign as an Atlanta Dream defender yells back at her teammate after making a three point shot during the first quarter of a regular season game at College Park Center on July 30, 2025. (Photo: Miles Meador | The Podium Finish)

“It’s fun to play with [Paige],” Geiselsöder said. “She draws so much attention. That opens up looks for everyone, and I just try to stay ready. Same with Arike [Ogunbowale] — they’re two of the best guards in the league.”

Ogunbowale, Dallas’ All-Star guard, scored 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting but was held to just four points in the final frame. Still, her tough fadeaway jumper with 21 seconds left tied the game at 85, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

On the ensuing possession, Atlanta ran a high screen to get Hillmon open above the break. Te-Hina Paopao found her with a quick skip pass, and Hillmon calmly buried the triple with 2.6 seconds left, giving the Dream (16-11) the final lead of the night.

Dallas had one last chance to tie the game. After a timeout, the Wings inbounded to Ogunbowale, but her contested 3-point attempt from the right wing fell short as time expired.

The loss spoiled a strong offensive effort for Dallas, who shot 50 percent from the field and matched Atlanta’s 11 made 3-pointers. The Wings assisted on 21 of their 34 made baskets, a testament to the team’s offensive flow.

But defensive lapses proved costly, particularly in the paint and during transition sequences in the first half. Atlanta capitalized on second-chance points and key offensive rebounds late, outrebounding Dallas 32-24 overall.

The Dream jumped out to a 26-21 lead after the first quarter, led by Allisha Gray’s 11 points in the opening frame. The Wings trimmed the deficit to four at halftime, 44-40, thanks to timely buckets by Geiselsöder and Bueckers.

Atlanta’s interior defense took a hit in the third quarter when veteran center Brittney Griner was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in less than a minute. Her early exit gave Dallas a size advantage, but the Wings were unable to fully capitalize.

Instead, Atlanta outscored Dallas 18-15 in the third, extending its lead to 62-55 heading into the final period. Hillmon and Maya Caldwell sparked the Dream’s offense in the third, combining for 11 points in the quarter.

In the fourth, Hillmon caught fire. She scored 12 of her 21 points in the final 10 minutes, including two pivotal 3-pointers and a putback layup. The Wings tried to counter with their own surge — a 10-2 run midway through the quarter capped by Bueckers’ go-ahead triple — but it wasn’t enough to stave off the Dream.

Atlanta had five players score in double figures, led by Hillmon’s 21. Brionna Jones added 14 points and six rebounds, while Gray chipped in 15 points and seven assists. Caldwell and Paopao each scored 13 and 11, respectively.

The Dream shot 52.4 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from deep, committing just 12 turnovers. Their bench outscored Dallas’ reserves 31-24, with Hillmon accounting for two-thirds of those points.

Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines Allen holds out a three point hand sign as her teammates celebrate a made three point shot during the third quarter of a regular season game at College Park Center on July 30, 2025. (Photo: Miles Meador | The Podium Finish)

For Dallas, Haley Jones turned in a solid all-around performance with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists. DiJonai Carrington added eight points and three assists off the bench, while Li Yueru contributed seven points in 12 productive minutes.

Myisha Hines-Allen provided quality minutes defensively and helped keep the Wings within striking distance in the fourth. Her 3-pointer early in the third period helped cut Atlanta’s lead to fourth, and her rebounding was critical during a key sequence late.

Next Stop

The Wings now turn their attention to a Friday night showdown with the Indiana Fever, wrapping up a four-game homestand as they head to American Airlines Center in Dallas before heading back on the road.

Atlanta Dream: By the Numbers

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Dallas Wings forward Haley Jones celebrates a shot clock beating three point with both hands showing the three point sign during the third quarter of a regular season game at College Park Center on July 30, 2025. (Photo: Miles Meador | The Podium Finish)