Dallas Wings Fall to Dominant Phoenix Mercury, 102-72

JJ Quinerly (No. 11) of the Dallas Wings scored a career high 18 points in a tough loss to the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

PHOENIX — The Dallas Wings endured another difficult outing in their rebuilding season, falling to the Phoenix Mercury, 102–72, on Monday night at PHX Arena. While it was a strong offensive showing for Phoenix, Dallas head coach Chris Koclanes viewed the loss as a tough but important step in the growth process for his young roster.

Led by Sami Whitcomb’s 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-11 from beyond the arc, the Mercury (13-6) controlled the pace from the second quarter onward and never looked back. Alyssa Thomas added a triple-double line with 15 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, while Kiana Williams came off the bench with 17 points and four assists in a well-rounded effort.

Phoenix shot 47.4 percent from the field and connected on 14 of 32 from three-point range. Their 29 assists on 36 made field goals underscored the chemistry and execution that Dallas simply couldn’t match.

The Wings (6-14) started four rookies and saw their short-handed lineup struggle to find rhythm on either end. JJ Quinerly led Dallas with 18 points, while Aziaha James added 15 and Paige Bueckers tallied 11. Myisha Hines-Allen came off the bench with 11 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes.

Despite the lopsided final score, Dallas hung tough early. The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading runs. Phoenix edged Dallas 28–19 after one, with Whitcomb getting hot early from deep. But the Mercury continued their scoring streak, building a 52–39 halftime lead.

The third quarter proved even more punishing for Dallas, as Phoenix outscored them 30–17 again. Whitcomb continued sinking her shots, while Thomas facilitated with surgical passing in transition and the halfcourt. By the end of the third, the Mercury led 82–56, and the game was well out of reach.

Despite the tough loss, the Wings’ locker room emphasized learning, growth and forward momentum.

Paige Bueckers confers with Luisa Geiselsöder and Myisha Hines-Allen in a quick huddle against the Phoenix Mercury. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

“Moving forward, we got a Chicago team that we’re about to play that we owe a game to,” said Hines-Allen. “They beat us twice and we know they’re coming out hungry too… so we’re both hungry to get this win.”

Hines-Allen added that while it was the team’s second game with just eight players available, there’s confidence that the lessons from Monday will translate into a better showing on Wednesday.

“It’s just a learning experience, honestly. From top to bottom, we could’ve been a lot better,” she said. “If we come focused, do the game plan, play our game — the sky’s the limit.”

Quinerly echoed that perspective, stressing a need for defensive grit from the jump.

“We definitely need to come out there with that dog mentality,” Quinerly said. “We’ve got to show defensively that we’re not going to back down. Tonight, we let too much go.”

Dallas was without Arike Ogunbowale (thumb), Maddy Siegrist (knee), Tyasha Harris (knee), and DiJonai Carrington (ribs), leaving Bueckers, Quinerly, and James to shoulder the perimeter load. Phoenix capitalized on the Wings’ thinned depth, pushing tempo and spacing the floor effectively.

First-year Wings head coach Chris Koclanes remained even-keeled in his postgame comments, emphasizing teaching moments over frustration.

“You’ve got to challenge them and make them aware — and they already are,” Koclanes said. “We weren’t ready, and we could have played a little harder and responded better.”

Koclanes credited the rookies for staying ready and continuing to develop into professionals under difficult circumstances.

“They’ve been so good through this all,” he said. “You never know when your opportunity’s going to come… They’ve been really consistent learning how to become pros.”

With a short rotation and limited practice time due to injuries, Koclanes emphasized belief over panic.

“It’s a long season,” he said. “You’ve got to have short-term memory and continue to pour into them… transfer belief, infuse confidence, and just know that this group will respond.”

Phoenix saw contributions from throughout their lineup. Thomas was a steadying force, constantly directing traffic and cleaning the glass, while Whitcomb’s perimeter marksmanship ignited the arena. Kiana Williams added three timely threes off the bench, helping the Mercury maintain their advantage as Dallas tried to cut into the deficit in the third quarter.

The Wings shot 36 percent from the field and just 33.3 percent from long range, while turning the ball over 17 times. Phoenix held a 43–44 edge on the glass but dominated in fast break points and bench scoring.

Next Stop

With the loss, Dallas now turns to a pivotal Wednesday matchup against the Chicago Sky — a team they’ve yet to defeat this season.

“Honestly, you’d rather this happen now than later,” said Hines-Allen. “It’s only our second game playing together like this. We’ll learn and be better.”

Tipoff for Wednesday’s contest against Chicago is set for 7 p.m. CT at Wintrust Arena. The Sky lead the Wings in the season series, 2-0.

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) tallied 11 points in a 102-72 defeat for the Dallas Wings against the Phoenix Mercury. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Phoenix Mercury: By the Numbers

Editor’s Notes

Michele Aerin contributed to this article onsite from PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.