Paige Bueckers Returns, Dallas Wings Fall to Phoenix Mercury

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings had a tremendous performance against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

PHOENIX — Paige Bueckers erupted for a career-high 35 points in her first game since May 29, but the surge wasn’t enough as the Phoenix Mercury pulled away late to defeat the Dallas Wings 93–80 on Wednesday night at PHX Arena.

Bueckers, who missed time due to illness and concussion protocol, looked sharp from the outset. She knocked down her first six shots — including back-to-back 3-pointers — and finished the first quarter with 11 points as the Wings trailed just 21–20.

Dallas hung tough throughout the first half. Bueckers led all scorers at the break with 22 points, going 8-of-10 from the floor. Despite her efforts, Phoenix built a 42–36 halftime lead behind balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting.

After the game, Bueckers spoke with The Podium Finish about her return and performance.

“Yeah. I mean, it feels great,” she said. “Obviously, basketball is the game that I love and this is a group that I love to be around. So to be back out there, I felt great. And, yeah, I think we’re all just trying to get better. We’re all just trying to build. So as much as we can have as much of the team available, that helps. And so, yeah, just trying to get better.”

The third quarter belonged to former Wings star Satou Sabally, who poured in 10 points in the frame and led a 25–21 run that pushed Phoenix’s advantage to 67–57 heading into the fourth.

Still, Dallas showed resilience. DiJonai Carrington and Maddy Siegrist helped trim the Mercury’s lead to six early in the fourth, and Bueckers continued to attack off the dribble and from distance. She would finish 13-of-19 from the field and 5-of-7 from three-point range in 36 minutes.

But Phoenix delivered the final blow. Latvian sharpshooter Kitija Laksa hit three 3-pointers in the final seven minutes, including a dagger from the corner with 2:11 remaining that made it 89–77. Phoenix outscored Dallas 26–23 in the fourth and shot 15-of-35 (42.9%) from deep and 50% overall.

Laksa finished with 14 points, while Sabally recorded a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Phoenix (7–4). Alyssa Thomas added 11 points and 10 assists, and Phoenix’s bench contributed 30 points, helping keep Dallas at bay.

For the Wings (1–10), it was another night of high effort but frustrating results.

Luisa Geiselsöder (No. 18) of the Dallas Wings had another productive performance, this time against the Phoenix Mercury. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

“We’re always close, but then we go back down,” said Dallas center Luisa Geiselsöder. “We’re never getting actually over this hump and ride the wave… I think our defense needs to be more aggressive, needs to be tougher. We had our game plan, we didn’t really stick to it. That’s discipline.”

Geiselsöder still found reason for optimism: “Credit our fight and just willingness to not lay over. It’s a bit of resilience there. Paige had a really good game, kept us in it a lot. These two up here just continue to give great effort and energy, and keep our group together.”

Wings head coach Chris Koclanes echoed that sentiment.

“Positives, again, just the resiliency to continue to fight back,” he said. “After runs and runs and runs — continue to go and continue to run it back at them and play. Areas of growth… continuing to just find our chemistry… as everyone settles into their roles and can really champion those and be great at what they do best for our team.”

Arike Ogunbowale added 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting for Dallas, while Carrington scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Wings shot 43.3% from the field but went just 5-of-19 from three-point range and committed 15 turnovers.

For Bueckers, the game was a learning moment in her evolution as a pro and as a leader.

“Just trying to work to win games, do anything… to contribute to winning,” she said. “I felt a little winded. I’m just coming back from a break, and I feel like I couldn’t use my voice more, been more disruptive, got to crash the glass more. As I get my wind under me, I’ll be better in those areas.”

She also reflected on the growth process: “It’s challenging but very rewarding… being super process-oriented and not result-oriented,” Bueckers said. “Trying to lead by example, lead with my voice, and just have difficult conversations.

“Get to know these people on and off the court, continue to build that chemistry. Like anything in life, it’s a journey and a process that you just love to embrace.”

Next Stop

The Wings (1–10) will close their West Coast swing with a Friday night matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces (4–4). Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at Michelob ULTRA Arena, airing on ION. It’s the first of three head-to-head meetings between the two Western Conference squads.

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings returned like she never left. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Phoenix Mercury: By the Numbers