Dallas Wings Fall to Minnesota Lynx in Hard-Fought Game

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings tallied 17 points in her second homecoming game against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Baketball)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Dallas Wings showed flashes of their budding potential but fell to the Minnesota Lynx, 96-71, in a matchup that highlighted both the Wings’ resilience and the challenges still facing the young roster. Amy Okonkwo opened the scoring for Dallas with an early driving layup, but the Lynx answered quickly as Bridget Carleton hit a 23-foot three-pointer to stake Minnesota a 3-2 lead.

Coach Chris Koclanes emphasized the importance of adaptability and support within the organization, a theme that resonated with his players on the floor.

“Lean on your support system. First and foremost, I appreciate our front office and the relationships that I have with them and the collaboration there as they continue to make decisions to help put our players and our staff in the best positions to have success not only right now, but long term and in the future,” Koclanes said. “Taking all the learning out of this, it challenges you with so many different people in and plugging and playing, just continuing to stay true to what you believe in and your anchors while also finding the moments to be adaptable and flexible and put different people in positions to have success. It’s challenged me in so many positive ways that will only help this team and organization going forward.”

Paige Bueckers led the Wings offensively, demonstrating her growth as a leader and scorer. Early in the first quarter, Bueckers hit a 13-foot pull-up jumper off an assist from Grace Berger, helping Dallas stay competitive. She also contributed through a rebound and her defensive positioning, showing her two-way impact despite several contested jumpers.

“My teammates and I are all just growing as individuals and as a team,” Bueckers said. “We continue to fight, continue to show up for each other, continue to just show up and be ready for whatever it looks like that night. The way that we’ve bonded and the way that all this adversity has really brought us closer together helps us continue to play with a chip on our shoulder. The experience yesterday at the state fair, playing Uno on the plane, going to the game room at night, that’s what it’s all about. The best teams are the ones with the best camaraderie, who truly love each other because you just go to war for each other.”

Supporting Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist and Diamond Miller provided consistent scoring and energy, with Siegrist hitting multiple mid-range jumpers and a three-pointer, while Miller attacked the rim and grabbed key offensive rebounds. Okonkwo contributed points and defensive intensity, while Berger and Christyn Williams helped move the ball and create scoring chances.

Minnesota’s depth and precision shooting, however, kept the Wings from gaining sustained momentum. Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with driving layups and three-pointers, while Courtney Williams orchestrated the offense, finding teammates in transition and spotting open shooters. By the end of the first quarter, the Lynx held a 25-21 advantage.

Maddy Siegrist (No. 20) of the Dallas Wings continued her incredible play on both ends of the floor against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

In the second quarter, the Wings fought to keep the game close. Bueckers tied the score at 27 with a driving layup, and Siegrist followed with a pull-up jumper. Miller and Okonkwo added layups and free throws to maintain pressure, but Minnesota’s three-point shooting from Hiedeman and Williams extended the lead to 48-41 at halftime.

Dallas’ energy carried into the third quarter, with Myisha Hines-Allen and Bueckers connecting on drives and mid-range jumpers. Siegrist and Miller continued to attack the basket and fight for offensive rebounds, while Berger and Williams added hustle plays that kept Dallas within striking distance. Hines-Allen’s presence inside contributed with points and key rebounds.

Still, the Lynx’s balance and veteran poise proved difficult to overcome. Collier and Williams pushed the pace, while Natisha Hiedeman and Bridget Carleton’s three-point shooting stretched the Wings’ defense. Minnesota led 71-59 entering the fourth quarter.

The final period showcased the Wings’ determination, though it wasn’t enough to shift momentum. Miller scored driving layups, Bueckers added pull-up jumpers, and Siegrist and Hines-Allen contributed points off the bench. Okonkwo remained active inside, but Minnesota’s defensive execution, anchored by Collier and Williams, limited Dallas’ opportunities. The Lynx ultimately claimed a 96-71 victory.

Despite the loss, Bueckers highlighted the growth and bonding that have become hallmarks of this Wings team.

“The way that we’ve bonded and the way that all this adversity has really brought us closer together helps us continue to play with a chip on our shoulder,” Bueckers said. “That’s what makes this game so much fun, because you get to do it with people that you love.”

Statistically, Bueckers led the Wings in scoring while Siegrist continued her evolving craft on both ends of the floor. Okonkwo, Miller, and Hines-Allen all made key contributions in scoring and rebounding, and Berger and Williams displayed steady playmaking and hustle.

Minnesota’s balance, led by Collier and Williams, exposed Dallas’ defensive lapses while maintaining offensive efficiency. Hiedeman and Carleton’s three-point shooting forced the Wings to defend aggressively, and bench contributions from Jessica Shepard and Maria Kliundikova extended the Lynx’s lead.

This matchup served as a learning opportunity for Dallas. Their energy, rebounding, and willingness to fight for every possession highlighted progress, but turnovers and contested shots against a disciplined Lynx defense limited scoring runs. Koclanes said these challenges provided opportunities for both him and his team to grow.

“It’s challenged me in so many positive ways that will only help this team and organization going forward,” he said.

Growth and evolution are key cornerstone traits that young talents in Bueckers and Siegrist can turn to with Koclanes in building something special with the Wings.

“I just think my leadership ability and the way that I can use my voice and I’ve gotten more confident in that, and my teammates and my coaching staff have just continued to help me build a confidence and just embrace that side,” Bueckers shared. “I know it’s hard as a rookie coming in, but continue to build that confidence throughout a long season of continuing to use my voice.”

Siegrist reflected on she’s used her voice in her third season in the WNBA with the Wings, particularly with how she’s continued to excel as a dynamic forward.

“I think for me, just trying to communicate, you know, talk a little bit more on both sides of the ball and then definitely handling it, just getting more comfortable,” Siegrist observed. “Obviously you put in all the reps and the work in the offseason. But just throughout the season, I just feel like I’ve just been able to be more confident, like bring the ball up or into different actions and stuff like that.”

As the Wings look to future games, the team’s combination of youthful energy, growing chemistry, and flashes of elite talent offer a promising foundation. Their camaraderie, forged through both on- and off-court experiences, remains a key component of the team’s identity and potential.

Next Flight

Dallas heads to San Francisco for their fourth and final matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night at Chase Center.

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Amy Okonkwo (No. 0) of the Dallas Wings capitalized in her first career WNBA start against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Minnesota Lynx: By the Numbers

Editor’s Notes

Jordan Grice of Tunnel Vision Sports contributed to this article.